Twig on to Tree Week at Carnfunnock

Trees are essential for life and provide a multitude of benefits for both wildlife and people by stabilising the soil, generating oxygen, storing carbon and providing raw materials.

The mysterious and magical feeling woods can give makes them ideal places to go for walks or just to sit and relax and take in the sights and sounds.

The majority of people will have childhood memories of days spent in and around woods and making forts out of trees or playing hide and seek with friends and family, or the stories behind the hawthorn or Fairy Trees and how we shouldn’t chop them down for the fear of a fairy curse being cast upon us.

Carnfunnock Country Park is made up of 191 hectares of varying land uses. Much of the land is woodland comprising thousands of trees of varying species. More trees are planted every year to replace any lost and to provide new habitat for the park wildlife.

Lisa Kirkwood, duty officer at the park, explained: “Here at Carnfunnock we try to ensure that any new trees planted are native species. In recent years we have planted oak, ash, rowan and birch to name a few.

“We have been fortunate that local schools are keen to come and help us plant. The kids that have helped us plant in recent years come back year on year and watch their trees grow.

“People are often overheard discussing coming to Carnfunnock to plant trees and they all know the location where their trees are situated.”

Anyone interested in taking part in this year’s National Tree Week, or those who would like more information on environmental education at Carnfunnock Country Park, should contact Lisa on 028 2827 0852 or e-mai [email protected]