Green Fridays

Forests are the lifeline of our planet – they clean the air, store carbon, support biodiversity and connect us to nature. For those that missed our newsletter last Friday, here's another chance to read it. We look at the fascinating world of forests, exploring insights from forest manager Paddy Purser, the inspiring Plant a Planet school initiative, and the hidden Wood-Wide Web that stores carbon and supports ecosystems. Follow us for more updates from Green Fridays 👉 https://lnkd.in/e4FibfEn #Forests #Biodiversity #ClimateAction #Sustainability #WoodWideWeb

Forests are the lifeline of our planet – they clean the air, store carbon, support biodiversity and provide a space for us to connect with nature. This month’s newsletter explores the fascinating world of forests and looks at how we can all play a part in their future. In this edition, we cover:  🌲 Irish Forestry Insights: Paddy Purser, a forest manager, shares his experience planting over 70 native forests and discusses the challenges and opportunities in Irish forestry. 🌱 School Tree Initiatives: Discover how the Plant a Planet campaign is inspiring students and families to take action for biodiversity and climate. 🌐 The Wood-Wide Web: Unearth the hidden fungal networks connecting trees and storing carbon – a natural solution to climate change. 💡 Plus, practical ways to support forests, from planting native hedges to embracing regenerative farming practices. Follow us for regular updates from Green Fridays 👉 https://lnkd.in/e4FibfEn #Forests #Biodiversity #ClimateAction #Sustainability #WoodWideWeb

Several East Coast Irish yacht clubs are contributing to environmental restoration by supporting the revival of native oysters in Dublin Bay. Howth Yacht Club, the Royal St. George Yacht Club, and the National Yacht Club in Dún Laoghaire have partnered to host "oyster gardens," which will be suspended from their marina pontoons. This follows the success of similar shellfish “gardens” installed at Dún Laoghaire, Malahide and Poolbeg marinas earlier this year. Read more: https://lnkd.in/ed9g_dx6

Beneath our feet lies one of nature's most fascinating and vital systems: the Wood-Wide Web. This underground network of fungi and roots doesn’t just help trees connect and share nutrients—it plays a critical role in carbon capture, storing billions of tons of CO2 and supporting the fight against climate change. We look at: 🌳 How trees and fungi exchange resources through underground networks. 🍄 The role of fungi in carbon storage and its potential for climate action. 🛡️ How regenerative farming and no-till practices support these vital networks. 🌱 Why protecting these unseen ecosystems is essential for a sustainable future. 💡 Let us know—did you know fungi were this powerful? With thanks to: BBC, The New Phytologist Foundation, Conservation International, Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, SPUN | Society for the Protection of Underground Networks, Harvard University, Michael Van Nuland, PhD, European Commission, Kabir Peay, Stanford University, Frontiers, Stephanie Kivlin, Los Angeles Times, Toby Kiers, Real Mushrooms, National Forest Foundation and Bloomberg #WoodWideWeb #ClimateAction #CarbonCapture #RegenerativeFarming

We're very excited about the Farming For Nature Handbook which is due out at the end of November. It promises to be a comprehensive guide designed to support people who want to learn how best to manage their land, big or small, in a way that enhances habitats, increases wildlife, harnesses natural processes, protects profits and safeguards our natural environment and rural communities for future generations. With over 76,000 words and stunning illustrations, this handbook offers: - Practical advice and ‘top tips’ from experienced farmers. - Research-backed recommendations across 12 chapters. - Guidance for all farm sizes, enterprise types, and levels of experience. Authored by experts: - Emma Hart, conservation ecologist and biodiversity specialist. - Brigid Barry, experienced conservationist and manager of Farming for Nature. - Brendan Dunford, pioneer in rural sustainability and founder of Burrenbeo Trust. We can’t wait to get our hands on a copy. You can pre-order here  https://lnkd.in/eMpvKkJg #FarmingForNature #SustainableAgriculture #Biodiversity

Did you know that tree planting season kicks off this month in Ireland? Tree planting is one of the simplest yet most impactful ways we can tackle climate change, boost biodiversity and create beautiful spaces for everyone to enjoy. Schools play a vital role in this effort, teaching the next generation about the power of trees while bringing communities closer together. We explore: 🌱 Why teaching kids about trees is so important 🌍 Inspiring initiatives like the Plant a Planet Campaign, led by Patrick Kirwan 🌲 How to prepare for #NationalTreeWeek2025 🌿 Ireland and the UK’s top school tree planting programmes Follow #GreenFridays if you’d like this in your feed every week 👉: https://lnkd.in/ehg_AY9k With thanks to Tree Council of Ireland, NatureScot and https://www.issn.ie/ #TreePlanting #Biodiversity #NationalTreeWeek #PlantATree

Tree Planting Season is Here! As tree planting season begins, it’s a perfect time to find spaces in gardens, schools or local communities for planting. In Ireland, consider native trees like mountain ash, hawthorn, oak, downy or silver birch, scots pine, hazel, or smaller trees such as crab apple, holly, wild cherry or even an old-fashioned apple tree. In our latest video, we interview Paddy Purser, a forest manager and consultant who has planted over 70 native woodland forests across Ireland. Paddy advocates for continuous cover forest management over clear-felling (where entire forests are cut at once), promoting a sustainable approach that enhances forest resilience. Paddy works with Purser Tarleton Russell Ltd., providing expert forestry services to Irish forest owners and supporting sustainable practices in forestry and environmental management. Watch our conversation to learn more about sustainable forestry and the impact of native tree planting in Ireland. #TreePlantingSeason #NativeTrees #SustainableForestry

A powerful letter that we'd like to share from Jonathan Foley in Project Drawdown. We all need to stand up for science and climate action - now more than ever.

For anyone who missed our latest newsletter, catch up here 🌳 This month, we look at the crucial role of forests in fighting climate change and preserving biodiversity, and we spotlight the inspiring global efforts to protect these irreplaceable ecosystems. Forests are some of the planet’s most powerful carbon sinks, absorbing billions of tonnes of CO₂ annually, while providing habitats for diverse species and supporting local communities. Yet, threats like deforestation, agricultural expansion and urban development are putting immense pressure on these natural protectors, endangering both the climate and biodiversity. We hope you enjoy the read! If you'd like to get Green Friday’s newsletter into your inbox every month, subscribe here: 👉 https://lnkd.in/ebCcj5U4  Special thanks to: World Resources Institute, Britannica Education, Our World in Data, Global Forest Watch, WWF, The Nature Conservancy, The London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE), Yale Environment 360, Cool Earth, Rainforest Connection (RFCx), Forest Stewardship Council, Rainforest Alliance, European Parliament, Forest Stewardship Council, Forbes, SUGi, Penn State University and Hannah Ritchie. #ForestConservation #RainforestProtection #Agroforestry #UrbanForestry #GreenCities

Jonathan Foley from Project Drawdown addresses the outsized impact of beef on climate change, as well as its negative effect on biodiversity and water and air quality. Well worth a read.