Tree-mendous effort by Mary Hare volunteers
Teamwork helps plant 1,500 new trees to improve school’s biodiversity
MORE than 60 volunteers rolled up their sleeves and donned their wellies to plant 1,500 trees at Mary Hare School.
Volunteers from the Volunteer Centre West Berkshire and businesses including Roots Estate Agency, Gekko, Corner Stone, Maxx-Design, VolkerLaser (National Highways Agency) and Mary Hare School planted trees across 230 metres on Wednesday, March 20, as part of the school’s commitment to supporting British hedgerows and wildlife.
The trees, donated by Greenham Trust and the Woodland Trust, have helped to connect existing hedgerows from Arlington Lane along Oxford Road to the Millennium Woods.
Head of operations at Mary Hare Ian Wright said: “This project marks a key part of our continuing drive to improve the biodiversity and landscaping, especially at the eastern boundary of Mary Hare, and has been achieved to excellent effect by a fantastic group of very enthusiastic and willing volunteers.
“I was so impressed by their efforts and absolutely delighted to have completed such a fine line of hedging extending along the whole
stretch of our Oxford Road fenceline, and in planting a group of mature trees alongside the primary school.
“This will provide a real boost to both wildlife and the immediate environment, and I would like to thank everyone involved that made the day possible.”
Trusts fundraiser for the Mary Hare Foundation Cecilia Burdett-Ward said: “It’s so rewarding to watch a project like this unfold.
“What we’ve been working on for the best part of a year behind the scenes has all come to fruition in the space of a day, and it wouldn’t be possible without dedicated and motivated volunteers.
“It’s great to be able to bring so many strands of the local community together to make a positive impact.
“I will enjoy watching the hedge line blossom from the office window.”
Mary Hare pupils also helped on the day, across all ages, including some involved in the ‘Do Good Feel Good’ club who pitched in with the tree planting, as well as some of the sixth formers currently studying their Level 1 Carpentry.
Pupils also staffed Cole’s Diner – the school’s youth club – where the volunteers could enjoy refreshments and a chance to connect with pupils.
PMO (project management office) lead at Cornerstone Laura Jones said: “Myself and six colleagues had the incredible opportunity to help plant trees at Mary Hare.
“It was a day full of energy, teamwork and commitment to making a positive impact on the school and the environment.
“The school is absolutely incredible, making a significant impact on young people on a daily basis, including my niece.
“I was able to plant a tree with her, which will be locked in as a much-cherished memory.
“We hope we can support them again in the future.”
Partner at Roots Estate Agency Ashley Williams added: “The whole team were delighted to pitch in and volunteer their energy into this charitable project.
“The friendly and structured event gave us all the confidence to get stuck in with a clear focus on the objective.”
Web developer at MaxxDesign Sam Buxcey said: “Mary Hare does such a huge amount for so many children across the country, and it was great to be a part of making the school even better.
“So much was achieved in such a small amount of time, and the result is going to look fantastic.”
Hedgerows are vital ecosystems, serving as habitats for a wide range of species.
The species planted included a mix of hawthorn, wild cherry, hazel, field maple, common oak, crab apple elder and blackthorn.