Volunteers going wild about Navan

MEADOWS National Tree Week from 20th-26th of March

National Tree Week is a week dedicated to tree protection awareness in Ireland, organised by the Tree Council of Ireland and Coillte.

Tree Week from 20th-26th of March is a perfect time to celebrate the native trees and shrubs of Meath.

One volunteer-led project bringing more trees, meadows and nature to Meath is ‘-Wild About Navan’s Dispersed Urban Orchard or 'DUO'.

The aim of is to bring people together and help regenerate and sustain wildlife-friendly zones in urban areas.

The DUO also works towards ensuring that the environment is integrated into all aspects of growth in the town.

The Navan DUO began in early 2021 with the first native fruit and nut trees planted in private gardens around Navan. The following winter ‘Wild About Navan’ came together with community garden Solas Glan, their horticulturist, and five Navan estates to learn about planting and caring for trees at a workshop at our local community garden in Ardbraccan. Wild About Navan were successful in ensuring a grant from the Community Heritage Grant Scheme to provide trees for Navan residents. There are now 16 dispersed orchards across Navan, seven with heritage apple trees 'The Blood of the Boyne' planted alongside native fruit and nut trees.

What's next for the Navan Dispersed Urban Orchard? Orchard pruning workshops, creating signs for the orchards, fruit preservation and fermentation workshops, and 'More Trees in Navan'.

They will be looking for new estates/areas to join the Navan Dispersed Urban Orchard later in 2022, so keep an eye on social media and www.WildAboutNavan.ie to learn more about making your green space more inviting and environmentally friendly.

See www.treecouncil.ie/nationaltreeweek for information on events happening near you and ideas on creating your own tree-inspired event.