Free trees for Leitrim primary schools this National Tree Day

Primary schools across Leitrim are being invited to claim a free Scots Pine sapling and plant it with their pupils as part of Glennon Brothers National Tree Day, which takes place on Thursday, October 2.

The initiative, run by the Tree Council of Ireland, aims to encourage pupils to plant and learn about the importance of trees. This year’s theme, “Building a better future”, highlights the role of trees in providing clean air, shelter for wildlife, and timber for homes, furniture, tools, and boats.

 It also underlines how fast-growing trees capture at least three times more carbon over 35 years than slower-growing species, with Irish-grown timber helping to keep that carbon locked away.

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Schools can claim one of 2,000 free Scots Pine saplings now at www.treeday.ie, where teachers will also find classroom resources, activities, and facts to support lessons.

This year marks the first time Glennon Brothers has partnered with National Tree Day. Established in 1913, the third-generation family business is a leading supplier of home-grown timber to the construction and home improvement sectors.

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.”

National Tree Day 2025 will celebrate the Scots Pine (Pinus Sylvestris, An Giúis), a native Irish species. By planting trees and exploring biodiversity, primary school children in Leitrim can take simple, hands-on action to benefit their local area.

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Cormac Downey, President of the Tree Council of Ireland, added: “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.”

For more information and to claim a free sapling, visit www.treeday.ie.