Easy Treesie’s mission to plant one million trees
Easy Treesie is on a bold mission helping to re-leaf Ireland by planting one million trees, hand-in-hand with Ireland’s one million schoolchildren and their communities. At the heart of this inspiring project is teacher and granny, Orla Farrell, whose infectious enthusiasm and passion have sparked widespread interest and involvement across the country. Determined to make tree-planting accessible for all, Orla has developed a system that empowers people to launch their own tree-planting projects in local areas, focusing on native saplings to enhance Ireland’s biodiversity with charity Crann – Trees for Ireland
Orla’s network stretches far and wide, connecting tree planters, green enthusiasts, volunteers, interns, tree providers, and sponsors. Through her work with Easy Treesie, she brings together a wide range of supporters, ensuring that everyone who wants to contribute to the project can find their place.
Easy Treesie works in partnership with local communities, schools, individuals, companies, and local authorities to secure planting locations—where it all begins. And the commitment doesn’t end with planting. Projects are closely followed up to ensure that trees are thriving and the effort has been successful. Children, in particular, are eager to get involved, serving as young environmental stewards. By planting saplings, watering trees and trampling on weeds while the trees are small, these children actively help to nurture local woodlands and forests.
Why Elder trees?
Elder trees grow at an impressive rate, acting as “nurse trees” by providing shelter for other slower-growing plants such as oak. Their rapid growth helps protect surrounding trees from being cut accidentally, by strimmers and mowers as they signal the presence of healthy vegetation. Elder trees are incredibly beneficial to their environment, offering both protection and food support for wildlife.
When planting elders, it’s recommended to plant several at a time, increasing the chances that at least one will thrive. Elder trees are also known for their culinary uses; celebrity chef Jamie Oliver frequently mentions elders in his cookbooks. The berries and flowers are edible and nutritious when cooked,., Trimming elder trees not only benefits their growth but also offers a unique opportunity. The wood can be used to make magic wands or other handcrafted items such as flutes, making this versatile tree even more special.
A challenge for this Halloween
Orla Farrell (the inspiring leader of the Easy Treesie Project) and More Trees Now are issuing an exciting challenge to all the children across the British Isles: plant a tree! With nearly 12.5 million children in the British Isles, this simple act could result in planting an incredible 12.5 million trees! And imagine if each child planted two trees… or three trees… I’m sure you can catch my drift. The possibilities are endless when it comes to restoring and enriching our landscapes with native trees.
For those unsure where to start, take a look at our ‘It’s a kind of magic’ poster which has all the information you need. If you can’t find elders, don’t worry – willow or poplar are excellent alternatives. All three of these tree species are native to the British Isles and play a crucial role in supporting local biodiversity and improving the environment. With this simple yet powerful action, children have the opportunity to leave a lasting legacy for future generations and make a real difference in the fight against climate change.
Take a peek at our social media to follow along with the challenge. Tag @easytreesie and @moretrees_now in your posts letting us know how you’re getting on!
