Minister Niall Collins launches Glennon Brothers National Tree Day 2026

National Tree Day is an initiative of the Tree Council of Ireland encouraging primary schools throughout Ireland to plant, learn about and celebrate trees

2,000 free Scots Pine saplings available to primary schools as this year’s ‘Planting for the Planet’ theme encourages children to explore the role of trees and forests

Horticulture

22 September 2026

Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine with special responsibility for Forestry, Farm Safety and Horticulture – Niall Collins TD, has launched Glennon Brothers National Tree Day 2026, which will take place on 1 October.

An initiative of the Tree Council of Ireland, National Tree Day encourages primary school children across Ireland to get outdoors, plant a tree and learn about the important role trees and forests play in everyday life.

The minister joined pupils at Ballybrown National School, Co. Limerick, to plant a Scots Pine ahead of this year’s event.

This year, schools can claim one of 2,000 free Scots Pine (Pinus sylvestris) saplings to plant with pupils.

‘Planting for the Planet’

The theme for National Tree Day 2026 is ‘Planting for the Planet’, which aims to help children explore the contribution trees make to wildlife and biodiversity, while also learning about carbon capture and the role of timber as a renewable natural resource.

Minister Niall Collins said National Tree Day provides children with a practical way to learn about trees, forests and the natural environment.

“National Tree Day gives children a practical way to learn about the importance of trees, forests and the natural environment. By planting and caring for a Scots Pine, pupils can see first-hand how trees support biodiversity, capture carbon and provide a renewable natural resource,” Collins said.

He added that the initiative also provides an opportunity to build understanding of sustainable forestry and the use of home-grown timber in timber products and buildings.

Supporting the next generation

Glennon Brothers is supporting National Tree Day as part of its long-standing connection with timber and forestry.

Pat Glennon, Glennon Brothers, said the initiative gives children an opportunity to take practical action for the environment while developing an appreciation of trees and forests.

“Planting and caring for a tree helps bring to life the importance of trees and forests and the role they can play for generations to come,” he said.

Mike Glennon, Glennon Brothers, highlighted the company’s position as a third-generation family business and its connection with Irish forestry and timber.

“Our message is ‘Irish timber for Irish homes, from forest to front door’,” he said.

He added that growing trees capture carbon, forests are renewed through replanting, and timber can continue to store carbon during the lifecycle of products and buildings in which it is used.

Bringing trees into the classroom

Felicity Gaffney, president of the Tree Council of Ireland, said this year’s initiative is designed to turn learning into practical action.

“Through ‘Planting for the Planet’, we want children to explore the many ways trees support our environment, from providing habitats for wildlife to capturing carbon,” she said.

With support from Glennon Brothers, the Tree Council of Ireland will provide 2,000 free Scots Pine saplings, along with classroom resources, to schools across Ireland.

Teachers can claim a free sapling and access classroom resources, nature activities and information about Scots Pine through here.

The organisers hope that National Tree Day 2026 will encourage children to get outdoors, engage with nature and develop a lifelong appreciation of Ireland’s trees and forests.