Monaghan Tidy Towns has begun a unique new project under the Climate Action Fund.
The project involves the development of eight pocket forests in residential housing estates in the town.
Participating in the project are Tidy Towns volunteers, Monaghan County Council, St Joseph's CE Scheme and Pocket Forests CLG led by Catherine Cleary.
A pocket forest is a densely planted, small-scale urban forest, mimicking the diversity and structure of a natural forest.
These forests are created in urban areas and are planted with a variety of native tree and shrub species; they can enhance the aesthetic and ecological value of urban areas, carbon sequestration, wildlife habitat, climate resilience, community engagement and mental health benefits.
Soil preparation for the pocket forests has begun this week with planting to follow at the end of the year.
Speaking to Northern Sound, Catherine Cleary from Pocketforests CLG said it's a "very exciting time." She highlighted that the first stage of the project was started over the last two days, with the soil preparation stage. According to Catherine soil was prepared on four sites across the town, two in Mullaghmatt, one in Killyconnigan and one in Beechgrove Lawns.
