Pupils dig in to plant over 400 trees near their school
South Lanarkshire primary school pupils helped to plant over 400 trees in a bid to protect their local environment.
Youngsters from Kirklandpark Primary School’s Eco Committee in Strathaven helped on the last day of planting trees that were donated by The Woodland Trust as part of its aim to give everyone a chance to plant a tree to help counter global warming.
Pupils from primary two to seven planted the trees near the school to help protect an area of green space.
Teachers Lisa Purse and Rachel Thomson took the pupils along to get hands-on experience of planting the trees.
Rachel said:“this is a great opportunity for our pupils to put all that they have been learning in class into practice. Being able to plant these trees in their local area is a fantastic opportunity for them to learn how they can impact on the environment in such a positive way.”
Lisa added:“they have been looking forward to today for so long and are delighted to be able to take part in some outdoor learning that really does put their efforts at the heart of the community.”
Local group Climate Action Strathaven was delighted that the children were able to get involved in the community project to help with The Woodland Trust’s ambition to get thousands of trees planted by schools and community groups across the country.
Climate Action Strathaven’s project worker Sarah Sall said: “We were delighted when our application to the Woodland Trust was accepted. We were sent the 420 trees along with the canes and tree protector spirals so that we could extend the shelterbelt in the green space adjacent to North Street in Strathaven.
“And as well as all the children who lent a hand, I’d like to thank all the volunteers who came along to help with the digging and planting. A big thank you must also go to South Lanarkshire Council’s grounds maintenance team for their expertise and guidance on how best to complete our project.”
South Lanarkshire’s grounds team made sure that the site was clear of any utilities such as power cables and water pipes before planting.
The team have also been assisting with planting layouts and demonstrating how best to plant the trees.
David Booth, executive director of community and enterprise resources, said:“we are delighted to be able to help Climate Action Strathaven, the volunteers, and pupils from Kirklandpark Primary School in such a worthwhile project.
“The young trees they have planted in this wonderful green space area will be something that everyone will be able to enjoy, both now and for the generations to come.”
The range of tree species donated by the Woodlands Trust included hazel, blackthorn, crab apple, elder, dog rose, rowan, hawthorn, dogwood, wild cherry, silver birch, common oak and grey willow.