Conservation Volunteers Plant Hundreds of Trees

Over two days in late March, the Mulkear Conservation Volunteers, MulkearLIFE and Inland Fisheries Staff took to the Mulkear River at Annacotty to embark on another practical conservation outing. The outing was planned to coincide with the original dates of the "One Million Trees in One Day 2013" campaign. The “One Million Trees in One Day” is a charity, not-for-profit, cross-border, community and environmental initiative which aims to plant 1 million native Irish trees at various sites across both the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland in a 24 hour period.

During this outing a large number of native broadleaf trees of Irish providence trees (Oak, alder, and mountain ash) were planted along the banks of the Mulkear River. Many of these trees were mature specimen trees, several meters in height. The planting conditions along the Mulkear River were exceptional.

A second tree planting outing was undertaken the following morning at Bilboa Bridge, an important High Nature Value (HNV) site. A small but dedicated group of MCV members braved the cold icy conditions to undertake a very considerable body of work. In addition to a large number a native trees being planted the group conducted a general litter pick up with 6 bags of rubbish being removed from the area.

MulkearLIFE would like to thank all the Mulkear Conservation Volunteers who gave so generously of their time to make both outings such a success. During the two events well over 200 trees were planted which will be enjoyed today and by future generations. MulkearLIFE would also like to thank the landowners involved on both the Mulkear and Bilboa Rivers.

Trees play a key role in promoting healthy river eco-systems (Image: Ruairí Ó Conchúir)

The Mulkear Conservation Volunteers are helping to enhance biodiversity through volunteer participation in practical conservation activities linked to MulkearLIFE’s work programme. They are assisting in the conservation efforts of local community groups in maintaining the natural environment of the Mulkear Catchment. The work includes the removal of the invasives plant ‘Himalayan Balsam’ and helping to organise outings, talks, workshops and training on the rich biodiversity of the Mulkear catchment. New members are always welcome.