Pupils from nine schools join to plant three trees in memorial to pandemic

Beech, mountain ash and silver birch mark principles of faith, hope and love

NINE schools in and around Leek have taken up an offer from Leek Rotary to plant three trees to remember the dark times of covid.

The trees – a beech, a mountain ash and a silver birch – are each about two metres high and came complete with a sturdy stake and fertiliser.

The trees were planted at the end of March and Rotary members have received a number of photographs and comments back from the schools.

A spokesperson said: “The project looked to the three principles that have been evident in our society during this time – faith, hope and love. “It was a time of fear and uncertainty. Changes to society were immense and the challenge of helping in these extreme circumstances called upon the best in everyone to make sure that all were cared for.

“The requirement for medical support escalated to previously unknown heights and people, including school children, had the chance to demonstrate the best human qualities where others were put before themselves.

“For the project, Rotary members decided that each tree would bring one of the positives of these dark times into the lives of children.

“These were faith in the strength of our community as people stepped up and looked at their neighbours in a different way. Many relationships and bonds were forged that still continue after the situation has improved.

“Hope for the future and planning for better times. Trees symbolise this hope with their life cycle of a barren winter period and the bursting of buds in spring.

“Love to remember those we have lost during the pandemic and the many new bonds and friendships that have been made.

“Many schools have environmental activities in their grounds such as Forest Schools, Eco-clubs and generally caring for the grounds, gardens and playing fields.

“This means that the children will be keen to look after their new trees as they grow with watering during their first year and keeping grass and weeds away from the tree trunks.”

Lorna Housley from Beresford First School, Leek said: “The trees look great on our school field.

“Martin, our caretaker, helped children from the school Christian Council and myself plant the trees.

“We also ended up having a mini science lesson as well as thinking about our Christian values of creativity, thanking God for all his beautiful creation.”

Joy Hulme from Waterhouses School, said: “The trees are planted and we are planning a celebration worship with the trees as the focus.

“We are hoping that our Easter Worship will be able to be held outside near the trees this year.

“Our main school values are love, hope, trust and respect and as part of our cycle of values we also have faith – which links with the trees.

Sam Crawford from Blackshaw Moor School, said: “The trees have been planted near the Peace Garden and the children are already caring for them.

“They have been told about why the trees have been planted during our times of school worship.”

Each school was also given a plaque explaining what the trees represent.

This will provide a reminder for pupils in years to come as the trees hopefully grow and flourish.