SuperValu and Centra on track to plant 50,000 trees by 2032 SuperValu and Centra are helping two local environmental projects by sponsoring the planting of 280 native trees, shrubs and fruit trees, in the latest round of its tree planting initiative.

South of Newry, local resident Mary Leonard and her family are developing their garden into a smallholding which will include a mini woodland to support biodiversity and reforestation in the area. She has received a mix of native birch, alder, scots pine, hawthorn, rowan, hazel, crab apple, guelder rose, and grey willow trees, supported by Downey’s SuperValu in Newry.

Community sports and not-for-profit group, the Culloville Blues GAC which has almost 400 members, has received 130 trees to develop its boundary area, create more shelter, improve biodiversity, encourage wildlife and establish an orchard. The project is supported by Centra in Crossmaglen.

The trees have been donated through a partnership between the convenience retail brands SuperValu and Centra – part of Musgrave NI – and Trees on the Land, a not-for-profit project from the Green Economy Foundation. The project which launched in 2022, saw 15,000 native trees planted across 50 locations across Northern Ireland in three years, while this year a further 5,000 have been planted in 20 locations.

2. Centra Crossmaglen owner Colm Devlin (right) visits Culloville Blues GAC and meets coach and secretary Terence McCreesh. The club has received 130 native trees, shrubs and fruit trees through the Centra and Trees on the Land project.

placeholder image — 2. Centra Crossmaglen owner Colm Devlin (right) visits Culloville Blues GAC and meets coach and secretary Terence McCreesh. The club has received 130 native trees, shrubs and fruit trees through the Centra and Trees on the Land project.

Colleagues from SuperValu and Centra stores across Northern Ireland have also supported the initiative by visiting many of the tree planting locations.

Speaking about her project in Newry, Mary said: “We are passionate about establishing woodland, and are following the Miyawaki approach to promote quick and biodiverse forest growth by planting native trees close together in high density.

“We want to do our bit to help with reforestation, create habitat for insects and birds, and absorb carbon to mitigate climate change. Our thanks go to SuperValu and Trees on the Land for supporting our project.”

Kevin Dunne, manager of SuperValu Newry, visited the site and added: “At SuperValu we believe every local action makes a global impact and we’re very proud to sponsor these trees and help Mary support an area for wildlife, increase biodiversity, and absorb carbon. We look forward to hearing how the trees mature over the years.”

1. SuperValu Dublin Road Newry manager Kevin Dunne visits Mary Leonard who has planted 150 trees to support reforestation in the area.

Culloville Blues GAC coach and secretary Terence McCreesh said: “The trees and hedging received from Trees on the Land have been a very welcome and helpful addition to our biodiversity project around the club to give land back to nature. Hedgerows will also strengthen shelter thus improving playing conditions. We thank Centra for their sponsorship contribution which enables us to avail of these trees to plant.”

Colm Devlin, owner of Centra Crossmaglen, added: “Centra is committed to supporting its local communities and we’re very pleased to sponsor the trees at the local GAC club, which is clearly committed to developing the site into an even better amenity for its members and the wider community. We look forward to seeing the trees mature over the years.”