The ITEN stand welcomed a significant number of distinguished visitors over the weekend, including the Lord Mayor and Tánaiste Micheál Martin. It was a pleasure to observe them actively engage with the stand, examine the pine tree specimen under the microscope, and cast their votes for their preferred tree species. The overwhelming success of this event makes it abundantly clear that there is a strong and growing appetite within the Cork community for expanding knowledge and appreciation of trees. The level of engagement and the overwhelmingly enthusiastic responses to our surveys clearly demonstrate the public's keen interest in learning more about trees.

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.

National Tree Week in Ireland was an exciting annual event, with the recent celebrations taking place from March 3rd to March 10th, 2024. This captivating week-long celebration, is organised by the Tree Council of Ireland in partnership with Coillte, aimed to raise awareness about the importance of trees and promote tree planting initiatives across the country.