Redwoods seek Irish home

TREES and plants in general are up to a month late in donning their summer colours, but should be wearing their lush seasonal coats by now.

Many people will probably walk in the woods over the bank holiday, normally a prime time for experiencing the grandeur of trees.

You are unlikely, however, to see anything like a mighty Californian redwood. But that could all change, for Ireland is one of the seven countries chosen to save this behemoth of the forest. Redwoods are going international, cloned in an effort to promote reforestation and deal with climate change, and our growing conditions are seen as eminently suitable.