2024
ITEN flourishes at BLOOM
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This year's Bord Bia Bloom festival aimed to inspire its 100,000 + visitors to take positive actions towards a healthier, more environmentally conscious world. With this theme and the perfect sunny weather, the Irish Tree Explorers Network (ITEN) picked the ideal stage to kick-start their new project.
This year's Bord Bia Bloom festival aimed to inspire its 100,000 + visitors to take positive actions towards a healthier, more environmentally conscious world. With this theme and the perfect sunny weather, the Irish Tree Explorers Network (ITEN) picked the ideal stage to kick-start their new project.
Based in Bloom's conservation area, the ITEN marquee was full of engaging activities and materials, from a microscope looking at plant tissue cells to carnivorous plants, gigantic tree seed pods and tree-themed postcards. Over the five jam-packed days, visitors were asked to vote for their favourite forest/woodland/park. The votes were counted and verified, with 365 votes cast.
The Results
The results are in, and we are thrilled to announce the top contenders in our recent poll. With 3.29% votes each, in joint 3rd place, we have the captivating Rossmore Park, EMO Court and Gardens, and Woodstock Park.
Rossmore Park, nestled in the heart of County Monaghan, is a true natural wonder that captivates all who visit. Spanning an impressive 320 hectares, the park boasts a rich history dating back over 5,000 years, with the remarkable remnants of megalithic tombs and a Bronze Age artefact within its bounds. The Park has several key features, including forest walks, a nature trail, and a yew walk. The park is known for its extensive rhododendron and azalea displays, which are at their best in early summer.
For more information:https://www.coillte.ie/site/rossmore-forest-park/
EMO Court and Gardens, a true treasure in County Laois, combines heritage, art, and nature not a wonderful experience. The estate's grounds unfold with a woodland walk, statues, and a 20-acre lake. The gardens are divided into two distinct areas: The Cluker and The Grapery. The Cluker boasts rare specimen trees and glades adorned with vibrant azaleas, rhododendrons, and camellias, creating a breathtaking display of colour and beauty. The Grapery, an arboretum, showcases a diverse array of tree species, including Wellingtonias, Damson Plum Tree, and Golden Hornet Apple Tree, among many others.
For more information: https://heritageireland.ie/places-to-visit/emo-court-and-estate/
Woodstock Park, nestled in the heart of County Kilkenny. The park is home to an arboretum which contains exotic trees such a Monkey Puzzle Tree. The Park also contains formal and informal gardens, including a terraced garden, a Yew walk and a rose garden. Originally designed in the Victorian era by Colonel William Tighe and his wife Lady Louisa Lennox, the gardens feature exotic trees and rare shrubs from around the world. Furthermore, the park is home to an impressive arboretum.
For more information: Home - Woodstock House & Gardens
In a close second with 4.19% of the votes, Avondale Forest Park in County Wicklow takes the stage, boasting an impressive tree collection and woodland services. Visitors to Avondale Forest Park can explore a variety of trails, including the River Walk and the Cairn Walk. The Cairn Walk is particularly noteworthy, as it passes through remaining experimental plots of trees that were planted during the Great Tree Experiment in the early 20th century. Additionally, the park is home to a grove of majestic Sequoia (Giant Redwood) trees. For a panoramic view of the surrounding woodland, be sure to visit the Treetop Walk & Viewing Tower.
For more information: Avondale Forest Park - Coillte
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The ITEN team
Based at UCC, the team includes Dr Eoin Lettice, Dr Barbara Doyle Prestwich, Emma Hutchinson and Gabriella Chisholm from the School of BEES and Prof. Claire Connolly and Dr. Claire Nolan from the School of English and Digital Humanities.
To keep up with project news and updates, follow iten_ucc on Twitter and Instagram and the Irish Tree Explorers Network on Facebook.