Since establishing its Tree Sponsorship Scheme in 1985, the Tree Council of Ireland has helped create and support native woodlands across the country, including beautiful and ecologically rich sites such as Aurora at Glencree, Co. Wicklow; Muckross Forest, Co. Kerry; Strokestown House, Co. Roscommon; Birr Castle, Co. Offaly; and Larch Hill, Co. Dublin; and Castle Saunderson, Co. Cavan. These woodlands stand as a lasting testament to the Tree Council’s commitment to biodiversity, sustainability, and the restoration of Ireland’s native tree heritage.
The Tree Sponsorship Scheme offers individuals, families, schools, community groups, and businesses a meaningful way to celebrate a special occasion, honour a loved one, or simply make a positive contribution to Ireland’s natural environment. Sponsors are allocated a native Irish tree within one of the Tree Council of Ireland’s carefully managed woodland sites, including Avoca, Co. Wicklow, Bansha, Co. Tipperary, and the Wicklow Way. Each sponsored tree is assigned a unique identification number and accompanied by a personalised certificate, creating a lasting connection between the sponsor and Ireland’s growing native woodlands.
The success of the scheme is made possible through the dedication of the Tree Council of Ireland’s remarkable volunteers, whose time, expertise, and commitment help ensure the success of every planting season. Equally important are the generous landowners who make land available for woodland creation, providing the opportunity to establish new native forests that will benefit wildlife, biodiversity, and local communities for generations to come.
As an independent environmental charity that receives no regular state funding, the Tree Council of Ireland relies on initiatives such as the Tree Sponsorship Scheme to support its wider work in tree planting, conservation, education, and public awareness. Every sponsorship contributes not only to the growth of Ireland’s native woodlands but also to the continued delivery of programmes that inspire people to value, protect, and celebrate trees.
More than simply sponsoring a tree, participants become part of a lasting legacy—helping to restore Ireland’s natural heritage, strengthen biodiversity, and create resilient native woodlands that will flourish for generations to come.