Did you know that there are about 7,500 different species of trees in Ireland? Not all of these are native. A native tree is one that has not been introduced by man, but that grows naturally in an area. Native trees started to grow in Ireland after the last Ice Age, about 15,000 years ago (13,000 BC).
Native Woodland
Courtesy of the Irish Wildlife Trust
Courtesy of the Irish Wildlife Trust
How many trees can you name? Do you know if they are native to Ireland? Look through the list on the left to see if you recognise the names of any of our native trees.
Now, let's continue with our botany lesson and learn how to recognise each one!