Donegal is to have a millennium forest of 2,000 native broadleaf trees, thanks to a German couple who have donated 50 acres of their land for the project.
Thomas and Lucia Becht, who run an organic farm close to Glenties, came up with the idea "to give something back to the environment". The forest, which they hope will eventually grow to some 15,000 trees, will also be an amenity for the local community as it will include picnic areas and nature walks.
It is a non-commercial venture and people from the area and further afield have been invited to participate by sponsoring a tree. Those who sponsor a tree then get a certificate of ownership and are free to visit the forest whenever they like. Each tree is numbered and sponsors will be able to identify their tree.
The first tree in the "Demeter Millennium Forest for Donegal" was planted in November by children from the junior infants class at Glenties primary school, and while only about 350 trees have so far been sponsored, some 2,000 will be planted by this evening. One of the main reasons they decided to embark on the project was because so many Irish woodlands are under threat from development, Lucia Becht explained. The forest will include a range of native trees, including oak, ash, elder, birch and hazel. The 50 acres will be planted in a lower density to a commercial plantation, allowing the trees to grow to their full size, and they will be protected. Any trees that die will be replaced.
Ms Becht said there had been a very good response from local people. The Bechts are promoting the idea through the network of health food shops and organic farms, and so far, sponsors include Swiss people who were visiting and heard about the idea, people living in Dublin originally from Donegal, and locals sponsoring a tree for family members who have emigrated.
The Bechts have lived in Donegal for 12 years, and now farm the largest organic farm in Ireland of more than 700 acres. Under their Donegal Organic Farm Produce label, they sell meat, vegetables and unpasteurised cheeses. Anybody who would like to sponsor a tree can contact them on 075-51286.