One Hundred Million Trees sees 2,500 native trees planted by Glenstal Abbey monks

Brother Anthony Keane OSB and Abbot Richard Coffey OSB planting new native tree saplings as part of the One Hundred MillionTrees Project, in the grounds of Glenstal Abbey today. 2,500 new trees were planted on a .25 acre plot adjacent to the historic monastery. Photo: Keith Wiseman

One Hundred Million Trees Project kicks off 2024 With 2,500 native trees planted by the monks in Glenstal Abbey

The One Hundred Million Trees Project enters the new year with a flourishing start, as 2,500 native tree saplings were planted by the Benedictine monks at Glenstal Abbey in Co Limerick.

This remarkable initiative, led by siblings Richard and David Mulcahy, aims to plant up to 250,000 native broadleaf trees nationally this season.

The Monks of Glenstal have played a crucial role in the newest chapter of the project, generously donating both land and manpower to facilitate today’s planting. The freshly cultivated land, adjacent to the historic Glenstal Abbey at Murroe in East Limerick, witnessed the planting of 2,500 new native trees.

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Founder of the 100MT Project, Richard Mulcahy, expressed his satisfaction with the progress, stating, “Planting has gone really well since we started our winter programme back in November. By April, we hope to have 200,000 to 250,000 new young native tree varieties planted in the ground at over 100 different sites around the country. We are deeply  grateful to the Benedictines for donating their land and support to the 100MT project and we hope the seed of this initiative will take hold and germinate in other communities around the country as we continue our efforts to plant more  widely nationwide”

Abbot Brendan Coffey expressed his support for the project, stating, “At Glenstal Abbey, we believe in the sacred responsibility of stewardship for the Earth. The One Hundred Million Trees Project aligns perfectly with our values, and we are honoured to contribute to this noble cause by providing both our land and the hands to plant these trees. This initiative not only enriches our local environment but contributes to the greater ecological and indeed spiritual well-being of our nation.”

The 100MT Project, now entering its second year, is committed to planting 100 million trees in mini forest formations at thousands of locations nationwide in the coming decades. The Mulcahys employ the internationally acclaimed Miyawaki method, planting between 1,000 and 2,500 native trees in each plot ranging from 0.1 to 0.25 acres. This approach leads to accelerated growth, increased biodiversity, and a rapid carbon sink.

The project has garnered support from dedicated volunteers, and sponsorship from Uniphar Group plc. Professional assistance from forestry management companies, Forestry Services Ltd, has been instrumental in the success of the initiative this season along with support of None So Hardy and Annaveigh Nurseries.

The 100MT Project has already planted trees in various locations, including Fairyhouse Race Course in Meath, Limerick Race Course, Festina Lente in Bray as well as Kiltegan in Wicklow in the weeks leading up to Christmas, and has planted across 9 counties so far.

One Hundred Million Trees encourages community members, environmental enthusiasts, and volunteers to join hands in achieving this season’s ambitious goal.

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