Coillte hosting Green Ribbon walk at Mayo's Raheens Wood

COILLTE, in collaboration with the IFA, See Change and Mental Health Ireland, is hosting a Green Ribbon Let’s Talk and Walk event at Raheens Wood, Castlebar, on Saturday, September 10, at 7 p.m., and members of the public are invited to attend.

This walk is part of the annual See Change Green Ribbon campaign that aims to spread awareness about mental health difficulties to help end mental health stigma and discrimination. Green Ribbons, the international symbol for mental health awareness will be provided free of charge. By wearing the Green Ribbon during the month of September, it is a simple way of showing your support.

The tagline for this year’s Green Ribbon campaign is: There is no shame in having a mental health difficulty. Across the month, See Change will explore what shame is, how shame presents itself and how shame impacts people with mental health difficulties.

Research studies from many countries have highlighted the contributions of trees, woodlands and green spaces to benefit people’s overall health and well-being.

Charlie Burke, recreation officer, Coillte, said: “As Ireland's largest provider of outdoor recreation, Coillte is delighted to support this initiative and promote positive mental health by hosting these walks across Ireland. I would encourage everyone in Mayo to get involved and experience the peaceful and beautiful surrounds of Raheen’s Wood next Saturday and show their support for the Green Ribbon campaign.”

Raheens Wood is one of Mayo’s hidden gems and provides stunning views of beautiful Croagh Patrick. It is located on the R311 and is just 4km from Castlebar.

The wood is considered to be a very good example of a semi-natural woodland, and one of the best examples of native woodland habitat in the general area. The tree species found here include hazel and birch with occasional ash, oak, rowan, grey willow and alder.

There are parking facilities for cars, bikes and minibuses, as well as picnic benches.