PICTURES: A week for books and trees in Roscrea

Books and trees were celebrated in the Sacred Heart Primary School on New Line in Roscrea during biodiversity week.

Over 200 new books were presented for the Dr Aisling Butler Memorial Library in the school through the generosity of the Butler family.

Senior pupils and teachers each received a potted native species tree, courtesy of Crann Trees for Ireland member George Cunningham and the Easytreesie project.

George spoke to the pupils about the huge importance of trees and their vast biodiversity benefits for the environment and local community.

Pictured above are some senior pupils in Sacred Heart Primary School with a potted tree received from Crann activist George Cunningham during a celebration in the school of biodiversity week. George is pictured with the pupils and Mrs Val Carey, acting Principal. Photo: PJ Wright

A very pleasant function was also held at Copper Beech Estate, where George Cunningham presented a large number of trees for planting.

George said that it was a pleasure to help an estate which care so much for the environment.

Seen here in one corner of the Copper Beech estate beneath a magnificent red hawthorn in full bloom (all minded by Sarah Neville and Ken Fletcher) are residents, Aimy Coffey, Anne Louise Delaney, Mag O'Rourke, Michael Bracken with Denis Ryan and George Cunningham. Photo: PJ Wright

He congratulated Chick Conlon, who voluntarily looks after a large part of the green areas and on his own expense makes large timber flower boxes.

Tidy Towns Chairman Denis Ryan also complimented everyone on their commitment.

At the planting the shovel went missing and the pupils and George Cunningham had to revert to age old methods. Photo: PJ Wright