More than 200 Beavers, Cubs, and Scouts gathered at the Lough Dan Scout and Eco Centre over the weekend of 21–22 February for our annual tree planting event. This year’s gathering marked a special milestone as we celebrated 45 years of Scouting Ireland at Lough Dan.
Throughout the weekend, Scouts planted nearly 300 native Irish trees, including oak, birch, rowan, and cherry, continuing the long-term restoration of the site’s native woodland. A key moment saw An Taisce CEO Gary Freemantle plant the 8,000th tree at Lough Dan.
The weekend also included a range of hands-on activities, from bird and bat box making to biodiversity challenges and Radio Scouting Ireland initiatives, alongside section-led outdoor programmes.
Since acquiring Lough Dan, Scouting Ireland has worked to restore former farmland and foster biodiversity, creating a space where young people can connect with nature while developing practical outdoor and environmental skills.
Special thanks to Zef Klinkenbergh, fondly known as “the tree man of Lough Dan,” along with the volunteers, partners, and project team who continue to support this important initiative.
