400 Fruit Tree Project

Kilkenny, Co. Kilkenny

400 Fruit Trees Project launch

The Kilkenny Mayor launches the 400 Fruit Tree Project

(c) Future Proof Kilkenny

400 Fruit Trees Project launch
(c) Future Proof Kilkenny

400 Fruit Trees Project launch

The Kilkenny Mayor launches the 400 Fruit Tree Project

(c) Future Proof Kilkenny

Enlarge image

Kilkenny’s 400 Fruit Tree project marked the 400th Anniversary of the signing of the City Charter by planting 400 native and heritage varieties of apple, pear, plum and cherry trees throughout the city and environs during 2009/2010.

In addition to providing a lasting memory of the civic celebrations there were many benefits as a result of the project.

The primary aim of the project was honouring Kilkenny’s long history as a famous apple growing region in times past. Families and communities worked together on a practical project that it was hoped would be a source of pleasure and nutrition in years to come while promoting the use of the urban environment as productive spaces for the growing of food.

Also the newly planted trees would provide food and shelter for wildlife facilitating biodiversity and enhancing the beauty of the natural environment. The 400 Fruit Tree Project organizers wanted to make the public aware of using local seasonal food for local consumption in order to reduce food miles, packaging and waste.

In an urban environment, city dwellers are more used to sourcing their food from supermarkets at their own convenience, so the 400 Fruit Tree Project sought to reconnect adults and children with the sources of their food and educate them on what can be grown in their local environment.

The 400 Fruit Tree Project sought to highlight the issue of future food security and the need to become more self-reliant and less dependant on imports to inspire the rebuilding of a local food economy and inspire innovation and entrepreneurship in artisan food production.

The remaining  aims of the 400 Fruit Tree Propect were to raise awareness of the need to keep carbon dioxide levels below 400ppm and the role that trees can play in tackling climate change.

Watch the video of the Kilkenny Fruit Tree Project below and follow the progress on the project website.