Stand of trees planted along Limerick route

A STAND of trees will be planted along a walking and cycling pathway in Limerick.

In partnership with LEAF Ireland and the GoGreenRoutes project, Limerick City and County Council will plant a Choill Bheag – a small native woodland along the Castletroy Urban Greenway.

Funded by GS Memorial Foundation, the An Choill Bheag project is a long-term education tree planting programme. The aim of the project is to create small, dense native woodland habitats for biodiversity, as well as an educational and recreational resource for local communities to enjoy.

The Castletroy Greenway is a cycling and walking pathway that extends for approximately 820 m, liking Castletroy College Road with the Dublin Road (R445).

Through the GoGreenRoutes initiative, the vision is to provide opportunities for social engagement, contact with the natural environment and active recreation, as well as enhance local biodiversity and create ecological connectivity.

Prior to planting the little woodland, A City of Limerick’s Tree Planning online workshop took place on November 21, 2022.

Schools, communities and local stakeholders are engaged throughout the whole process of the An Choill Bheag initiative.

In a bid to understand their benefits to society, climate change, biodiversity and their local economy, communities are encouraged to connect with woodland culture and biodiversity.

On February 1, students from both Gaelscoil Chaladh An Treoigh and Castletroy College carried out soil tests, identified species that were already present and marked out the area for planting.

And a few days later, supported by more than 50 local volunteers, approximately 250 native trees of mixed variety were planted along the Castletroy Greenway.

To prevent grass growing around the base of the young trees, the area was mulched in March.

Over the summer, a follow-up visit will take place to educate students and community members on how to care best for this new habitat.

Dr. Sarah O’Malley, EU Project Officer, Limerick City and County Council commented: “Thank you to the Castletroy community and schools for taking part in this fantastic tree planting journey. LEAF Ireland have been instrumental in bringing this about, their knowledge and support is greatly appreciated by all. On behalf of Limerick City and County Council, and the GoGreenRoutes project, we hope you, the community, enjoy your woodland and the biodiversity it brings!”