2,000 free trees for primary schools this National Tree Day
Glennon Brothers and Tree Council of Ireland invite children to ‘plant for the future’ on 2nd October
Primary schools across Ireland are being invited to claim a free tree sapling, the Scots Pine (Latin name: Pinus sylvestris, Irish name: An Giúis) and plant it with their pupils on Glennon Brothers National Tree Day, which takes place on Thursday 2nd October 2025.
National Tree Day is an initiative of the Tree Council of Ireland designed to encourage primary schools to plant and learn about the importance of trees. This year’s theme of ‘Building a better future’ links classroom learning with real-world forestry and explains how trees provide us with clean air, shelter for wildlife, and the timber that is used to build homes, furniture, tools, and boats for generations. The theme also highlights how fast-growing trees, capture at least three times more carbon over 35 years than slower-growing species, and that using Irish-grown timber in homes and furniture keeps that carbon locked away. By getting outdoors to plant trees and explore Ireland’s unique biodiversity, primary school children can take a simple, hands-on action that benefits their local area.
Schools can claim one of 2,000 free Scots Pine saplings now at www.treeday.ie. The website also hosts ready-to-use classroom resources, nature activities, and facts about the Scots Pine to make lesson planning easy.
This year, National Tree Day welcomes a new partner in Glennon Brothers. Established in 1913, this third generation family business is a leading supplier of home-grown timber to the construction and home-improvement sectors in Ireland.
Announcing the partnership, Joint Managing Director of Glennon Brothers, Pat Glennon said: ‘As a family business, we’re proud to partner with the Tree Council of Ireland for National Tree Day. For us the message is simple, Irish timber for Irish homes, from forest to front door. For every tree we use, new trees are planted to keep forests healthy and full of life. We want to share the story of sustainable Irish forestry and inspire the next generation to care for the environment, one tree at a time.’
Cormac Downey, President, Tree Council of Ireland, commented: ‘National Tree Day is a chance for children, teachers, and families to discover the importance of trees. This year we’re celebrating the Scots Pine, a native Irish species, and showing how planting a single tree can help build a better future for us all. With the generous support of our new partner, Glennon Brothers, we’re able to provide free saplings and ready-to-use classroom resources nationwide, helping schools turn learning into action and deepening understanding of sustainable Irish forestry.’
Find out more and claim a free sapling at www.treeday.ie
Did you know?
- Despite the name, the Scots Pine (Latin name: Pinus sylvestris, Irish name: An Giúis) is native to Ireland.
- Ireland has a forest cover of 12% versus a European average of 38%.
- The contribution of the Forestry sector in Ireland is estimated at €2.1 billion.
- Visits to Irish forests are estimated to be over 29 million per annum.
- 25% of houses being built in Ireland are timber frame, this compares to 80% in Scotland.
- Ireland needs to plant more trees, specifically conifers, to meet government climate change targets and avoid European fines.
About the Tree Council of Ireland
The Tree Council of Ireland is the national umbrella organisation for groups dedicated to tree planting, establishment, management and conservation. Its mission is “Fostering a Tree Culture in Ireland through Action & Awareness.” Through events, campaigns, educational resources and public engagement, the Tree Council works to promote the planting, care and enjoyment of trees, inspiring people to value and protect Ireland’s trees for future generations.About Glennon Brothers
Glennon Brothers is a third-generation family business established in 1913 in Longford. Through a series of robust organic growth and strategic acquisitions, Glennon Brothers today has a turnover of €330 million and employs 930 employees directly with a further 465 indirectly through harvesting and logistics. It has 7 manufacturing facilities in Longford, Fermoy and Enniskillen in Ireland, Windymains, Troon, Invergordon and Irvine in Scotland. Glennon Brothers has invested over €135 million in state-of-the-art technology over the last 10 years.
