Sometimes you just need to put the news on mute.

And if you’re looking for something to whisk your mind away to somewhere more peaceful for an hour or so, we’ve found just the thing.

Cork Nature Network is about to launch the West Cork Tree Festival 2021, which will run for six months from March to September. A range of activities and discussions on the importance of trees their impact on our heritage and our everyday lives will be happening as part of the schedule.

The official launch of the West Cork Tree Festival will begin with an evening of talks on Thursday, March 25th, 2021 at 7pm.

Joe Gowran, CEO of Woodlands of Ireland will focus on the national perspective of our native trees and land cover.

Later Mike Collard, founder of Bantry’s Future Forest, one of the leading mail-order plant providers in Ireland, shares his local knowledge and tips on caring for trees.

The evening will be chaired by Mark Robins, who will also provide an overview of all the activities organised for the next six months, including the West Cork Tree Map, the West Cork Tree Charter, in which anyone will be able to contribute their ideas, principles, and thoughts for a new Charter and the Festival Closure Conference on Saturday, September 25th.

“People love trees and woodlands and value them in so many ways,” said Robbins.

“They can provide so many things from fruit, timber, to all the biodiversity that thrives around them, to a feeling of wellbeing.

“In this six-months Festival the West Cork Branch of the Cork Nature Network is planning activities for everyone who wants to share, enjoy and learn about trees and we hope all contribute to a better future for our trees and woods.”

The event, which is sponsored by LUSH, is free and will be hosted via Zoom on Thursday, March 25th at 7pm. You can register here.