World Days of Action 2012
On November 7th 2012, the Biodiversity theme along with Eco-Schools World Days of Action was celebrated at ‘Coil na Sioga’, the Green-Schools Woodland at Ballinreeshig Nature Farm, Co. Cork. Eco-Schools World Days of Action are days where students lead change for a more sustainable world.
William O’Halloran, of Ballinreeshig Nature Farm, delivered an informative and fun-filled programme that highlighted the importance of biodiversity, with a particular focus on forests, towards creating a sustainable planet.
Green-Schools invited 18 schools from Cork City and County that are currently working on the theme of Biodiversity to the event. A number of seedlings were planted to contribute to the Green-Schools Woodland. This event also offered the Green-Schools programme a chance to celebrate Panasonic’s Tree Planting Project.
Rachel Boyle, Green-Schools Biodiversity Officer with An Taisce said, "it is heartening to see such enthusiasm amongst the schools that are working towards a more sustainable future". Rachel also thanked the National Parks & Wildlife Service for their continued support.
20th March 2012
Continuing with the planting of positivity another very special tree planting event took place in our Green-Schools Woodland on the 20th of March 2012.
Cork Environmental Forum donated 200 trees to our Green-Schools Woodland to be planted on the day highlighting National Tree week. William O’Halloran, from mobile outdoor education company ‘Will and Away’, delivered a Nature activities programme on the day highlighting the importance of trees in our fight against Climate Change. The programme involved going on an adventurous walk around the farm while playing fun nature awareness games.
Ten schools participated on this day and the 200 trees that were planted contributed to our Green-Schools Woodland to the extend that there are now almost 4,000 native trees flourishing in the woodland.
17th November 2011
Not even the rain could dampen our Green-School’s spirits as the Green-Schools Woodland was launched in Ballinreeshig Nature Farm, Co. Cork in conjunction with Will and Away Outdoor Education Company on Thursday 17th November, 2011.
Over 100 students from local Green-Schools braved the elements to gather at the site where they celebrated the success of the Green-Schools programme in Ireland by planting over 100 oak trees. In total, 3,560 native trees will be planted to represent each school in the Green-Schools programme. The event also offered the Green-Schools programme a chance to celebrate the UN International Year of Forests 2011.
Students from pre-schools up university level attended the launch where they were congratulated for their dedication and enthusiasm by Rachel Boyle, Green-Schools Officer and Sean and Will O’ Halloran of Will and Away Outdoor Education Company. Cork County Council also supported the event and provided the woodland with a beautiful plaque.
The day was a fantastic success with a huge turnout, and an experience that the teachers and students won’t forget! The woodland hopes to serve as a symbol of the programme, representing the continuous efforts of Green-Schools to tackle environmental challenges. Congratulations to all involved!