Laois County Council and LEAF Ireland are planting four Na Coillte Beaga (little woodlands) in three schools and one Education Centre in Portlaoise.
This project is part of an overall plan because Portlaoise has been designated a Decarbonisation Zone.
800 native trees will be planted in total in Educate Together NS, Maryborough NS, Gaelscoil Phort Laoise, Scoil Bhride NS and Holy Family Senior School and Portlaoise Education Centre.
An Choill Bheag (AnCB) is a long-term educational programme, an initiative of LEAF Ireland and the EEU of An Taisce.
The aim is to create small, dense native woodland habitats for biodiversity and an educational and recreational resource for the whole school community to enjoy.
The projects are being funded by Laois County Council, and delivered by the staff of LEAF Ireland and the Environmental Education Unit (EEU) of An Taisce.
These little woodlands will provide an outdoor living classroom, a place where staff and students can connect with biodiversity.
The An Choill Bheag initiative involves the students in the entire process, the planning, the planting and the maintenance.
Staff and students are encouraged to connect with woodland culture and biodiversity to understand their benefits to society, climate change, biodiversity and their local economy.
Suzanne Dempsey, Laois County Council said: “We are really excited to see the four An Choill Bheag grow and develop over the next few years along with the pupils’ knowledge of trees and biodiversity through the education programme with LEAF.
“This project would not be possible without the support of the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage through the Local Biodiversity Action Fund.”
Photographer Michael Scully was on hand to capture the planting recently.
Check out his pictures below:
Photo: Michael Scully
Photo: Michael Scully.
Photo: Michael Scully
Photo: Michael Scully
Photo: Michael Scully
Kyle Tinkler Duff and Rocco Whelan, pupils from 3rd. Class Holy Family School, Portlaoise, pictured at the planting of ” Na Coillte Beaga” at the school.
Photo: Michael Scully – no reproduction fee.
Photo: Michael Scully
Photo: Michael Scully.
Photo: Michael Scully
Craig Benton with teachers partaking in a Composting Workshop at Laois Education Centre, Portlaoise. ( l. to r.) Angela Fogarty (Scoil Bhride, Rathdowney), Siobhan Holland (Dunamase College, Portlaoise ), Andrew Monaghan (Rushall N.S.) and Geraldine Whitford (Abbeyleix South School). Photo: Michael Scully
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 in three schools and one Education Centre.){kind=link}