Preparatory work for the up-coming National Tree Hugging 2014 Contest took contest organiser Tom Roche of Just Forests to Fitzgerald Park in Cork yesterday to meet Australian entrepreneur and WeForest founder Bill Liao.

Bill (seen here on the right) has entered Just Forests’ National Tree Hugging 2014 Contest along with other Cork notables that include Rachel Allen, Joanne O’Riordan and Peadar King. Liao is a venture partner with SOSventures and listed as an influential investor on Twitter. He is married with three children and lives in Cork.

“Through the National Tree Huggers 2014 Contest Just Forests aims to get people in Ireland to look around them and appreciate the fabulous trees in their locality,” according to Tom Roche of the coordinating organisation Just Forests.

People and trees with interesting stories from all over Ireland will be taking part in the contest in 2014. Unlike in other contests, the age, beauty and height of the trees are not really that important. What is important though is the story that the tree holds. The participating people/trees/stories will be featured on a dedicated website at www.lovemytree.ie (under construction) where the nation gets to vote. The tree story with the most votes will be Ireland’s nomination in the European Tree of the Year 2015 Contest. The winner will also receive a hand-crafted Irish oak framed picture of their tree valued at €250.

Just Forests are looking for companies to get involved in this fun activity and can be contacted at 086 8049389. Photo curtesy Just Forests: Conor Malachy pictured with some of his pupils from St Maries of the Isle N.S, Bishop Street, Cork and Willow Liao, in Fitzgerald Park, during a photo shoot in support of Bill Liao’s entry in the National Tree Hugging 2014 Contest which will take place later in the year.

You can keep informed about the contest by visiting www.justforests.org.