Did you know that there is a rare type of oak that is native to Waterford? The Fennessy's Oak was first grown in Fennessy's Nursery in the town land of Grange in the 1820s.

To launch National Tree Week, a Fennessy's Oak will be planted at the main entrance to The People's Park (by the Park Lodge) on Monday 2nd March at 11.30am. This event will also mark the involvement of Ambrose Congreve in the Tree Council and his links with Waterford City.

Deputy Mayor Mary O'Halloran will take part in this tree planting ceremony along with representatives from the Tree Council of Ireland, the Mount Congreve estate and the Fennessy family. This young Fennessy's Oak will complement the existing Fennessy's Oak that stands on the opposite side of these gates.

All are welcome to come along at 11.30am next Monday to take part in this tree planting ceremony.

National Tree Week takes place 2nd – 8th March 2009. This is a national awareness campaign that is organised by the Tree Council of Ireland.

The aim of National Tree Week is to raise awareness about trees. Trees are an essential part of our environment and by doing something as simple as planting a tree; everyone can play his or her part in helping the environment. So please join us in investing in this natural resource and plant some trees in your community.

National Tree Week is a national environmental awareness campaign that is organised by the Tree Council of Ireland. Over 15,000 trees sponsored by Coillte will be distributed to community groups by local authorities nationally.

A theme is selected each year for National Tree Week and for 2009 the chosen theme is 'Our Trees, Our Culture'. If you look at Irish history, literature and poetry, music and art it is clear that trees are embedded into our identity and expression.

Have you ever wondered why people say 'touch wood' to ward off bad luck? The Celts touched trees because they believed that it warded off evil spirits. Our Celtic ancestors worshiped trees; they had sacred groves and single trees, which have survived to the present day at holy wells.

Trees have always been part of the world's mythology and Ireland has its own symbols and legends. For example, to the ancient Irish and into recent history certain trees oak and hazel were associated with knowledge and others, the ash and rowan with protection. In fact, fairy trees can evoke respect to this day.

Today, trees are also the focus of numerous works of photography, painting and print. There has been an explosion of wood sculpture and craft and wood use in structural building and finishing has greatly increased. The ash is of course inextricably linked with our National Sport of Hurling.

For further information, contact Ella Ryan, Environment Awareness Officer, Waterford City Council. Telephone: 051 849938.