After a humble beginning with a few tree donations spurred by a social media ad earlier this year, part-time farmer Paddy Mangan from Co. Meath has now spearheaded a nationwide effort that has seen the donation of 35,000 native trees. What started as a small act of kindness has blossomed into the non-profit organization Free Trees Ireland, boasting a team of 40 dedicated volunteers, a number Mangan hopes to see grow. Recently, the group conducted an online application day, offering up 40,000 trees for distribution. In a remarkable 26-hour span, they received over 45,000 applications, showcasing the overwhelming demand for such initiatives.
The organization ran two distinct giveaways during this period. The first was a general tree giveaway, providing a mix of native tree species with a maximum allocation of 30 trees per individual or group. The second application focused on establishing a red squirrel habitat, encouraging participants to fence off a portion of their land up to 900m2. The designated areas must be stock-proof fenced, with a maximum of 100 trees allocated for this specific scheme. The red squirrel habitat features a diverse array of tree species including Oak, Hazel, Scot’s pine, Wild Cherry, Rowan, Crab Apple, Alder, and Birch, all aimed at providing sustenance and shelter to attract red squirrels to the region. According to Mangan, “The nature corridor will also provide a safe natural habitat for ground-nesting birds such as Pheasants, Snipe, Red grouse, as well as shelter for hares, hedgehogs, and various other mammals and insects.”
Expressing his astonishment at the overwhelming response, Mangan revealed plans to give away a total of 80,000 free native Irish trees by the end of December. Looking ahead, the ambitious goal is to distribute 120,000 trees annually, with a planned giveaway of 60,000 trees in early February 2025. Additionally, the organization aims to eventually donate trees to every primary school across the country, spreading the message of environmental conservation and sustainability. All these efforts are being driven by volunteers, with all trees procured without external financial backing or state funding. Mangan emphasized, “We are always open to receiving support or welcoming new volunteers, and anyone interested should reach out to us.”
Currently, the group primarily sources native trees from Coillte and None-So-Hardy in Shillelagh, Co. Wicklow. However, the volunteers are actively working on establishing their own tree nursery, with the long-term goal of being self-sufficient through the cultivation of their own trees. This grassroots initiative led by Mangan and his dedicated team exemplifies the power of community-driven environmental projects and the positive impact they can have on local ecosystems and wildlife populations.
