Adopt A Tree Project

In preparation for further study of my tree tomorrow I’ve been doing some additional research on wooded areas and forestry in my local area. I’m constantly reminded how lucky I am to live in Kilkenny,  our local representatives and active community spirit ensures that we are well informed of the exciting and innovative activities taking place within the wider area.  Just recently Kilkenny City celebrated a very exciting and significant birthday, and marked the achievement in a very sustainable and significant way.

Kilkenny’s 400 Fruit Tree project marked the 400th Anniversary of the Signing of the City Charter by planting 400 native and heritage varieties of Apple, Pear, Plum and Cherry throughout the city and environs during 2009.
The project began at the hands of the Transition Towns project, consisting of community groups coming together with the Local Authority, Schools and Businesses to implement a practical project that ‘reduces carbon in the face of climate change, builds resilience in the face of peak oil and, as an added bonus and  strengthens community’.

Below is a video about the project, it includes some input from a local primary school student about how her school became involved in the challenge. It’s a very  interesting way to speculate how a class could participate in a similar project in their area. Food for thought!

Just a couple of days in and I’m already hooked on this project. I’ve been plotting and planning, assessing and assimilating and it’s essentially just day 2 of work/analysis!

The first and most significant development of the project of late is the selection of my tree. I chose my tree from the woodland area near my home where I spent most childhood summers in bright afternoons of play and abandon. I chose an Ash tree – a significant personal choice of mine that reflects not only my love for the location/woodland in question, but as a keen Camogie player and lover of Gaelic Games – an understanding of the capabilities and uses of this tradition wood, thus reflecting the wider sociological and historical effect of such a tree on my home county, Kilkenny.

I have consulted my neighbour Mr. Padraig Comerford, who helped me assess my choice. I also visited a local hurley maker to discuss the importance of the Ash tree to Kilkenny (particularly from a GAA point of view) and beyond and get advice about how best to approach this study of this great and glorious tree that is so rich in Irish heritage.

I’m really looking forward to the weekend, I hope we have some nice weather and the Sunny South East lives up the name!

Ciara

PS – I will elaborate on Jenkinstown Park and it’s woodland in future posts, and will include a map for your perusal.