Plant a mini-woodland

Planting a mini-woodland is such a wonderful idea for schools. You might think you need lots of space but it's not always the case. Sure, many schools have vast areas of land where a corner can easily be turned into a woodland but we've also seen urban schools create mini-woodlands in very small areas.

It's fantastic to plant a woodland for many reasons; firstly it's great to add new species of tree to the school, secondly it creates new habitats for wildlife from the canopy layer down to the flower layer and finally it creates a long-lasting, beautiful outdoor learning area that will inspire generations that pass through the school. Learn about what trees to plant here. Be sure to follow our Coill na nÓg campaign each autumn for free trees and hedgerows for your school.

Gowran NS, Co. Kilkenny have planted a beautiful mini-woodland complete with mown pathway.

St. Joseph's BNS, Clondalkin, Dublin have created a fantastic mini-woodland in a space no bigger than 2-3 car park spaces showing that you can have a woodland even in a  city.

A mini-woodland at Scoil Bhride NS, Lisdowney, Co. Kilkenny. Every time a family passes through the school a new native tree is planted and labelled in celebration.

A mini-woodland at Gowran NS, Co. Kilkenny.

A mature mini-woodland at Dunboyne SPS, Dunboyne, Co. Meath.