ATU Students and Staff Plant 250 Native Trees in Connemara Community Woodland

March 26, 2025

Students and staff from ATU's Connemara campus planted 250 native trees on March 19, 2025 as part of Tree Week.

Students and staff from Atlantic Technological University’s Connemara campus planted 250 native trees on March 19, 2025 as part of Tree Week. The trees were planted within the existing Community Native Woodland, established by the University in 2013. To date, more than 6,000 trees have been planted on the 5-acre site on the grounds of the Connemara National Park, including alder, birch, whitethorn, guilder rose, holly, pendunculate oak and Scots pine. This event was coordinated by the Green Campus Committee in conjunction with the Power to Change project, which aims to develop the woodland as a living and learning environment for students and the wider community. Faculty staff are also developing learning resources to maximise the potential of the woodland from an educational perspective.

Since its establishment, annual planting events have taken place involving first year ATU students and community groups. Students at ATU Connemara specialise in the use and manipulation of timber in furniture design and technology projects. This initiative is helping those students to understand how woodlands develop and it shines a light on the inherent value of Irish-grown trees and from environmental, social, and economic perspectives. The project forms part of ATU’s response to supporting the aims of the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals. By planting trees, students are also helping to replenish and expand Ireland’s stock of native trees and forest cover, which is one of the lowest in Europe.

Dr Dermot O’Donovan, Green Campus Committee member and Head of Department of Creative Education said “We see this project as an investment in the community and a resource that benefits our students, our region and the local environment. The Community Native Woodland is a haven for biodiversity, providing habitats for wildlife, birds, invertebrates, flora and pollinators. Native trees and woodlands can be regarded as climate warriors as they absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, regulate water quality, and enhance soil health. Furthermore, the project helps to inform our students on the environmental impacts of their procurement decisions when they will be specifying timber materials in their professional lives.”

The Power to Change project is led by Atlantic Technological University in partnership with the Sligo Public Participation Network and is funded under the Community Climate Action Programme. The project will facilitate connection/reconnection with nature and build capacity within community groups to lead on change across four initiatives. A key focus of the project is to engage with groups that have been under-represented in the Climate Conversations and will be guided by the principles of universal design for research to ensure inclusivity and accessibility. A repository of case studies, good practice guides, and a virtual learning environment will be developed to aid capacity building within community groups, and ultimately establish lasting connections and networks. To learn more about the project go to https://www.sligoppn.com/power-to-change/ .

A number of videos have been created to help people learn more about the Community Native Woodland project.

Introduction to the Community Native Woodland
The Establishment of the Community Native Woodland
Biodiversity and the Community Native Woodland
Climate Change and the Community Native Woodland

To learn more about ATU Connemara go to www.atu.ie/campus/connemara