Cork County Council Invites Groups to Plant a Native Tree for National Tree Week
Feb 16, 2026
16th February 2026
The initiative is responsible for the planting of over 6,000 trees in Cork County over the last 7 years
Cork County Council is offering native trees to schools, community groups and organisations to celebrate National Tree Week 2026. An initiative of the Tree Council of Ireland, National Tree Week takes place from the 8th to the 15th of March.
The initiative invites people to learn about the folklore of trees, the benefits trees bring to climate, air quality and wellbeing and the importance of planting, protecting and caring for our trees. Since its first launch in 1985, National Tree Week has been responsible for planting over half a million trees in Ireland, including over 6,000 in Cork County in the past 7 years alone.
Mayor of the County of Cork, Cllr. Mary Linehan Foley said, “Trees are a vital part of our ecosystems and are deeply rooted in our Irish identity, shaping our folklore, placenames and our sense of community. I encourage everyone with an interest to participate in National Tree Week and for local schools, groups and organisations to get involved in planting trees in their own localities.”
National Tree Week has grown throughout the years and in 2025, Cork County Council allocated more than 1,100 trees to over 70 recipients. In 2026, up to 1,200 trees will be made available, coordinated by Cork County Council’s Biodiversity and Heritage Officers, with the wider support and involvement of the Council’s Ecology Unit and Heritage Unit.
The tree species available will likely include Alder, Common Birch, Pedunculate Oak, Rowan, Scots Pine, Silver Birch, Hazel and Whitethorn and the trees are available in bundles of 10 per tree type. Given the limited number of trees, groups and schools are encouraged to contact Cork County Council early as trees will be allocated on a first come first served basis.
During National Tree Week, community groups, organisations and schools are invited to organise or participate in events throughout the week. In addition to tree planting, the range of events can include forest and woodland walks, nature trails, workshops, woodturning displays, talks, poetry readings, or any other ideas that will celebrate the fascinating heritage of trees.
Trees will be available for collection from Cork County Hall or at a select number of other Cork County Council premises around the county. Pick-up locations and allocations will be confirmed with each participating group, and all requests must be submitted by emailing corkheritage@corkcoco.ie by Friday the 27th of February 2026.
More information on National Tree Week is available by visiting www.nationaltreeweek.ie.
