Abbeyleix Tidy Towns has secured funding from the Heritage Council to develop a Tree Master Plan for Abbeyleix. We are collaborating with Sophia Meeres and her team from UCD on this exciting project, which involves mapping our existing tree resources and developing a plan for future planting.

We are currently in the critical mapping phase, where we aim to assess carbon capture opportunities and enhance our natural environment. Geospatial data is essential for understanding our current baselines and determining where resources should be focused for tree planting.

The BlueSky dataset, generated through specialized aerial photography, has already surveyed the Abbeyleix area, providing an excellent starting point by mapping all our larger trees. However, we need your help to 'ground truth' this data by determining tree species, size, condition, and other important details.

This is where you, the citizen scientist, come in. With just a smartphone and a bit of know-how, you can contribute to this important project and help us map our local tree resources. Your contributions will not only enrich the national biodiversity dataset but also assist in local planning for the future.

To participate, you'll need to download the ArcGIS Survey 123 App on your phone, and possibly the PlantNet App, which can help with tree identification. We've outlined the steps below, or you can read a detailed set of instructions in the attached PDF [link or attachment here].

If you run into any issues or need assistance, feel free to contact us at info@abbeyleixtidytowns.net, and we’ll get back to you. Also, stay tuned to the Abbeyleix Facebook page for updates on upcoming surveying days and evenings—we’ll be posting details there.

Apple - https://apps.apple.com/ie/app/arcgis-survey123/id993015031

Android - https://play.google.com/store/search?q=survey123&c=apps

This can only be accessed by the QR code (above or left). Depending on your phone setup, you may need to access a second screen or device (a friends phone?) to be able to scan and load the QR code. Once you load the QR code- follow the instruction to download the Abbeyleix TREE SURVEY

One you load the tree survey, select the option at the bottom 'continue without signing in'. (Do not opt for Sign In) The select the blue "Collect" option 

You are now ready to complete your first report!

• Note that Date and time complete automatically

• Add your name (+ phone number)

• Add Address of the treee

   (e.g. Eircode, street name, house number close by)   

• Choose Tree species from the dropdown

 (if not listed choose ‘other’)  - If you are unsure of the Identification details - got to Step 10 below for details of a really useful Identification App called Pl@ntNet 

You may need to enable location services on your phone if prompted.

Load the aerial map background (if not already loaded) - you can do this by selecting the 'four squares' symbol above the house symbol.

Stand close to the tree you are surveying.

Click the circle locator icon (under the house symbol) and this should centre the map to your location. 

Zoom in to make sure the location is correct. You can drag the blue locator symbol to the specific location if needs be (if viewing with the aerial map background then you should be able to see your tree on the aerial photo).

When you are happy that the blue locator symbol is in the correct spot - click the 'tick' symbol at the bottom right hand corner.

Take 2 photographs:

1. One of the whole tree in context

2. The other, a close-up of twigs and leaves

1. Tree height - a 2 metre stick can be useful to estimate the height

2. Crown Width - you can pace the area under the crown to estimate this

3. Stem Width - Measure this a breast height - a measuring take is useful here

It is best to send the record on site as you do the survey.

Congratulations, you have just submitted your first record!

It can be annoying to repeat data (your name, address etcetera), and the survey allows you to avoid this 

• 1, Touch SENT to see the list of all your sent reports 

• 2, Choose a report that is similar (name. address, or species etc)

• 3.  Select ‘Copy sent data to a new survey’

• 4. Your new report is already partially completed. Check that its correct, reposition the blue location pointer to identify the new tree, take new photographs and update data as necessary.

• 5. When the report is complete, confirm data by the ‘tick’ on the bottom right

• 6. Touch Send now (always send as soon as the report is completed)

Although not 100% accurate, Pl@ntNet is a really useful app to help you to identify your tree. Pl@ntNet is a citizen science platform that uses artificial intelligence (AI) to facilitate the identification and inventory of plant species. Just take a photo of the tree and let it do its thing. 

If you are stuck, we have some expert botanists on hand who can help with the ID - info@abbeyleixtyidytowns.net

This app is available on all platforms.

Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=org.plantnet&hl=en_IE

Apple: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/plantnet/id600547573