Unfortunately, the program used to record our trees closed down without notice in 2023. This has effectively deleted our data records and sending us back to square one and looking for a new tree recording mechanism.
Many of our streets and estates are named with a connection to trees but few would recognise an ash from an oak or a beech from a birch? During the Covid Lockdown we've all walked past dozens of species without knowing their name, their role for wildlife, or their part in maintaining the health of our environment.
That said we certainly notice when they're taken away.
Planting trees offers a range of environmental, social, and economic benefits.
Trees absorb carbon dioxide (CO2) from the atmosphere, helping to reduce greenhouse gases that contribute to global warming.
Trees filter pollutants from the air, including sulfur dioxide, ammonia, and nitrogen oxides, improving overall air quality.
Trees provide shelter and food for various species, helping to maintain biodiversity and ecosystems.
Tree roots help to anchor the soil, preventing erosion and protecting waterways from sedimentation.
Trees play a crucial role in the water cycle, absorbing and releasing water through transpiration, which can help manage flood risks and maintain local water supplies.
Green spaces, including forests and parks, have been shown to reduce stress, improve mood, and promote physical activity.
Trees can contribute to local economies by supporting industries such as agriculture, forestry, and tourism, and by increasing property values in urban areas.
Trees contribute to the beauty of landscapes, providing opportunities for recreation and improving quality of life.
In recent times tree felling locally has made way for considerable development. Metges Road, within Johnstown, has been hit hard losing a large portion of its tree lined avenue to make way for the Cois Glaisin Estate, followed by several mature trees being cut down to create the pedestrian crossing opposite it, the cycle path cleared more to expose The Boyne Estate but it's not over yet. The natural woodland next to Bailis Village is still under threat of near-complete removal to make space for apartment blocks.
Mapping trees gauges one level of biodiversity within our suburban neighbourhood. It's a chance to discover what we have and its importance. No one really knows what trees we've recently lost, or the wildlife they supported, therefore a recording will help fight the loss of any more.
Tree Mapping is already well established in Dublin and with the use of smartphones and involving the public it's become quicker and easier. We'd like to see Meath County Council take up the gauntlet and promote the mapping of trees by the Public. In the meantime Johnstown Tidy Towns has taken on the project.
When you're out walking use the smartphone App (details below) to mark the location of a few trees along the route. The app tags it on a global map and you can upload a photo, enter details such as its species, trunk size, height and state of health. This builds the knowledge base and we can discover both what we have and equally important what's missing from our area.
Here's a brief clip from an enthusiast explaining how to use the App or view the official explainer clip 'Mapping Trees on Curio".
You could even start mapping without leaving the house and add the photo's and details later.
Start anytime and anywhere that you find trees, There could easily be a thousand trees within the Johnstown neighbourhood and tens of thousands within the Navan Municipal District.
Your Garden
Our Streets
Estate Greens
IDA
Johnstown People's Park
Athlumney Riverside Trail
Its location on the global map.
A photo is optional but it adds a visual recording.
Add what Species it is and we list 2 Apps below to help you. It can be added or changed at a later date.
If you know you can include the planting date, estate completion date.
Measure (or estimate) the trunk width and tree height to enable future calculations to determine how the trees absorb pollution and rainwater or provide habitats and food.
Note any particular features such as whether it needs low branch trimming or needs shaping etc.
By adding name plaques to some prominent trees we could help educate ourselves and provide a simple nature trail.
Johnstown Tidy Towns carried out a brief tree pruning session at the end of 2018 to remove low branches posing a hazard to pedestrians. By having a map it will assist them in future pruning activities.
Trees need protection from developers and a current record will ensure our tree biodiversity gains recognition and protection.
Some trees are pollinator-friendly and some will be prefered nesting sites for wild birds.
Parks and nature walks such as Blackwater Park, Balrath Woods, Dalgan Park, the Ramparts, the Athlumney Riverside Trail, the Hill of Tara ..... anywhere there are trees.
Unfortunately, the program used to record our trees closed down without notice in 2023. This has effectively deleted our data records and sending us back to square one and looking for a new tree recording mechanism.
We do not currently have access to a free App to conduct the surveys.
The FREE mapping App is called Curio XYZ and you can visit their website and use the Internet Browser Version or download and use their App available from Android and Apple Stores.
Tree Identification helps identify the trees and if you're interested in plants too then try Flora Incognita.
For more information about trees visit the Tree Council of Ireland.
There's many apps on Google Play and Apple Store but once you've got a benchmark you can quickly estimate width and height.
Some will be much easier to spot in the different seasons, links take you to Wikipedia.
This project has connections with the following categories:
