Children delighted to be planting new trees
PUPILS of a Gateshead primary school have worked with Durham Wildlife Trust and Gateshead Council to create a new woodland.
The children from High Spen Primary School, with ages ranging from two to 11, helped to plant 2,000 native trees.
The students will now get to grow up knowing that the trees planted will have a positive impact on their area, and they will be able to visit the site as they grow themselves.
Andrew Firth, the headteacher at High Spen Primary School, said: “When we heard about the woodland planting coming to High Spen, we knew the children would love to get involved. It was fabulous to see them work together with friends and family members to make their mark on the future of the village.”
Mum Lesley Lintern said: “Joseph had a great time. He planted his trees with his Grandad, which was special. He’s excited to watch them grow.”
Esmay, a Year Four student, added: “When the trees get bigger they will be a relaxing place to walk.”
Caitlin Elwin of Durham Wildlife Trust, said: “Durham Wildlife Trust has been thrilled to deliver the many wonderful community tree planting events for the North East Community Forest. When Gateshead Council enlisted our help to plant in High Spen we jumped at the chance to involve High Spen Primary School and welcome all of their students and staff along.
“Their efforts enabled well over 500 trees to be planted in just one day, we are certain that the school and their students will continue to care for nature long into the future.”
A Gateshead Council spokesperson added: “Gateshead is already one of the boroughs with the highest woodland cover in the North East.
“However, we have an ambitious programme to increase woodland cover and plant more trees throughout its boundary.
“We can’t achieve this without the support of the local communities and co-operation with the local schools is important to us.”