Over 5,000 native trees brought to Louth for Tree Handout Day

Over 5,000 trees have been distributed to over 170 groups across Louth on Tree Handout Day which took place last week.

Louth County Council, in partnership with the Hare’s Corner Project, Tree Council of Ireland and Coillte, hosted a Tree Handout Day on Friday, 6th March 2026 at the Louth GAA Centre of Excellence in Darver.

On the day, more than 5,000 native trees were distributed to over 170 community groups, landowners, schools, residents’ associations, sports clubs, and individuals across the county.

The event took place just ahead of National Tree Week 2026, running from 8th to 15th March.

Speaking at the event, Cllr Dolores Minogue, Cathaoirleach at Ardee Municipal District said:

“Louth has some of the lowest tree cover in Ireland, which makes community‑led planting more important than ever. These new trees will strengthen our environment, support wildlife, and create greener, healthier places for people to enjoy. By planting together, we’re shaping a more vibrant, resilient and healthy county for future generations.”

The Hare’s Corner initiative, coordinated locally by the Burrenbeo Trust in partnership with the Louth County Council Biodiversity Office, and funded through the Local Biodiversity Action Fund with financial support from National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS), helps landowners create mini‑woodlands, wildlife ponds, orchards, hedges, and ‘Plans for Nature’. This year’s strong participation reflects growing local interest in taking practical action for climate and biodiversity.

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Commenting on the initiative Helen Hanratty, Biodiversity Officer with Louth County Council, said:

“This is the first year Hare’s Corner has run in Louth, and the response has been fantastic. The 5,000 trees shared today will help create around 40 mini‑woodlands, 90 heritage orchards and 60 wildlife hedges. It’s wonderful to see communities, schools and landowners leading the way in restoring nature locally.”

John Loughran, Conservation Ranger with the NPWS added:

“Trees and hedgerows are vital for the environment, serving as nature's infrastructure by combating climate change, supporting biodiversity, protecting water quality, and regulating the soil. They function as crucial wildlife corridors, connecting fragmented habitats in agricultural landscapes and providing food, shelter, and nesting sites for birds, bats, insects, and small mammals.”

As part of the event, Louth County Council presented heritage apple trees to Louth GAA in recognition of their continued support and partnership through the GAA Green Clubs Initiative, which promotes environmental action across local clubs.

Anyone taking part in National Tree Week and the Hare’s Corner initiative are invited to share photos of their planting activities using the hashtag #BiodiversityLouth.

Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme.