The Peoples Forest
The Ulster Gaelic Family is taking the lead in a new campaign to replenish some of the ash that has been forested to make thousands of hurls in the past. The association is partnering ‘Back to Eden Ireland’ in planting ‘The People’s Forest’ on the foothills of Belfast’s Black Mountain.
This campaign is being launched on Wednesday 11th March 2009 encouraging clubs, community groups, schools, businesses and our Irish friends abroad to buy a tree in the ‘The People’s Forest.’ While the initial aim is to plant 10,000 ash saplings; the plan is to roll out the project in many counties in the future. So why not celebrate the 125th anniversary of the GAA by buying or giving someone a gift of a tree.
Each tree costs £25 with donators receiving a special certificate to demonstrate their contribution and their tree will be looked after by the ‘Back to Eden Ireland’ project. Businesses and organisations that buy a minimum of ten trees will be supplied with the ‘The People’s Forest’ logo to highlight their green credentials.
To buy a tree please click on to www.peoplesforest.ie
Why plant trees?
- Planting trees is good news for the environment (a single tree can absorb a tonne of Co2 over its lifetime) & improves bio-diversity
- In 2009 only 1% of Ireland is forested
- It takes 1 ash tree to make 10 hurls and 25-30 years to replace it
- If you live abroad it gives you an opportunity to buy ‘A Little Piece of Ireland’
So why not leave a legacy to be enjoyed by our people for generations to come – ‘The People’s Forest.’
Below are some comments made by representatives of organisations and companies supporting this campaign.
Catherine O’Hara, Chair of the Ulster Camogie Association, enthused
“There are many reasons why we think this is a worthwhile cause. Ash trees are native to Ireland – they have survived invaders, battles and storms to become the original Irish tree. Today, however the ash tree has nearly disappeared from this isle and this programme gives us an opportunity to ‘give back.”.
Tom Daly, Ulster GAA Chairman endorsed the initiative saying:
“At an exceptionally historic time for the GAA in our 125th year, this is a wonderful example of the continuing innovation of our organisation through voluntary efforts. The Ash tree has been an invaluable resource for the ancient games of hurling and camogie and it is right and proper that we as an Association are conscious of our environment and give something back in appreciation on behalf of all of the Gaels of Ulster. It is fitting that the People’s Forest initiative has begun here in Antrim as the County who are leading the way in Ulster on our Hurling and Camogie pitches. I wish to pay tribute to the project team leading this work and in particular acknowledge the contributions of the Officers of the Ulster Camogie Association and Ulster Ladies Gaelic Football Association”.
The Ulster Ladies Football Secretary Mary Keegan added
“We are delighted to be associated with this initiative which will do so much to enhance the natural beauty of our environment. I hope that Irish people from all around the world will seize the opportunity to “own a little bit of Ireland!”
Phillip Adams Director of Back to Eden Ireland and who works in association with the Woodlands Trust commented
“The ‘People’s Forest’, with the support of the Gaelic Family, has taken a practical step towards reality. I am delighted that the biggest sporting organisation in the Country has decided to get behind this project in such a proactive way. The Ulster GAA, Ladies Football and Camogie are not just about the games they all play, but also about the people they are. Where the GAA and the ladies codes lead, I am confident many will follow.”
Chief Executive of the Colin Glen Trust Tim Duffy added
“With over 20 years of experience in the development and management of amenity woodlands in West Belfast we are delighted to be associated with this innovative project. Ireland is one of the least treed countries in Europe and we welcome this opportunity to develop additional woodland areas. Trees make a much valued contribution not only to our environment but to the economy and social, recreational and sporting well being of our community. The Colin Glen Forest Park is the first ever winner of the Green Flag Award for a community park in Ireland and we look forward to planting and caring for these trees in the years to come.”
