Native tree planting project a boost for biodiversity on Mayo island

A NATIVE tree planting project is to provide an important biodiversity boost for a Mayo Island.

The community on Inishturk and diaspora came together this week to plant almost 400 native hedgerow plants, trees and fruit trees across seven locations on the island.

It marked the beginning of their work with Trees on the Land and charity representative Brian Gaynor.

They began by creating a children’s garden with food forest elements, also guided by Food Forests Ireland, an orchard for pollinators and future harvests, and greener spaces at the playground, community centre, roadside and also at local homes.

The species planted - willow, oak, hazel, birch, rowan, hawthorn, blackthorn, scots pine, native buckthorn, crab apple, spindle and guelder rose - are vital for biodiversity, offering food and shelter for wildlife and early nectar for pollinators.

The community, in an update on the island's social media, extended thanks to Trees on the Land for providing trees, expertise and supporting them with the planting.

Trees on the Land is a cross-border initiative working to establish young native trees across the 32 counties. They provide simple schemes for landowners to access quality native tree mixes each season and work with farmers, smallholders, community groups, councils, schools, colleges, sports clubs and many other landowners to coordinate sites to accommodate trees.

Their vision is to establish tree cover and woodland in rural and urban areas that will grow for many years and provide valuable resources, beneficial ecosystem services and a lasting legacy for future generations.

Find out more about the work of Trees on the Land here.