Inside National Tree Week: Guided Woodland Walks at Belvedere House, Mullingar

On a crisp March afternoon at Belvedere House, Gardens & Park in Mullingar, County Westmeath, you can trade the city hum for the hush of a living woodland. National Tree Week at Belvedere offers guided woodland walks on Sunday 8th and 15th March 2026 from 2:30pm to 4:30pm, led by Diarmuid McAree and P J Fitzpatrick in association with Crann – Trees for Ireland. These two-hour walks focus on tree identification, forest ecology and eco-therapy, and are limited to groups of 25 for an attentive, conversational pace.

The route threads through parkland and mature woodland where broad trunks and layered canopies reveal the local ecology. Guides pause to identify native species by leaf, bark and habit, point out signs of fungal life and nesting birds, and explain the ecological roles of veteran trees. Expect a mix of common Irish woodland trees and a close reading of the landscape rather than a strenuous trek: this is learning and restoration in motion, not a summit push.

What makes this offering stand out is the combination of expert-led interpretation and mindful time in trees. Crann’s involvement anchors the walk in a national conversation about tree care and planting, while the facilitators include forest eco-therapy elements that encourage slowing, breathwork and a sensory focus. For families, naturalists and anyone who wants to turn a walk into a clearer appreciation of place, this program converts casual curiosity into lasting knowledge.

Practical notes: meeting point details aren’t listed in the event description, so arrive early and check your booking confirmation or the FareHarbor link for final instructions. The walk is suitable for most ages and fitness levels; expect firm, sometimes uneven ground and a relaxed two-hour pace. Group size is capped at 25, which keeps the experience intimate and conversational.

Belvedere House, Gardens & Park plays a special role in Mullingar’s outdoor scene: the estate’s gardens and wooded parkland provide accessible green space where education and conservation meet recreation. Whether you arrive solo or with family, bring waterproof layers, sturdy shoes and a curious mind. The walk is an excellent way to mark National Tree Week, learn practical tree ID skills, and leave with a new sense of stewardship for the trees that shape Ireland’s landscape.

Expect seasonal variety: early March can still carry winter’s dampness, so fungi and moss are often abundant and trunks glisten after rain. The guides will cover basic tree health indicators and conservation actions visitors can take in their communities. With group numbers limited, this walk is a rare chance to ask detailed questions about propagation, native planting and threats such as ash dieback. Book early through the provided link to secure a place and leave inspired to take action locally.