Local school children plant trees to promote environmental awareness
The North East Community Forest (NECF) acting as lead, in partnership with Living Woods, has held its first school-focused tree planting session at Whitburn Village Primary School, Cleadon Lane, South Tyneside.
The event, held on Thursday, April 10, was attended by the Leader of South Tyneside Council, Cllr Tracey Dixon, along with teachers and school pupils. During the session, Living Woods and NECF planted 22 trees, including 6 fruit trees and 16 British native trees, with the help of Year 4 and some reception students. The planting activity was complemented by an educational session, emphasising the importance of trees for the environment.
Phillip Hammond Woodland Officer for Schools, North East Community Forest said:
“Thursday was a truly memorable day at Whitburn Primary School, marking the North East Community Forest's inaugural school planting project. The enthusiasm and engagement of the pupils were incredibly inspiring as they learned about fruit tree planting and the myriad benefits of trees and woodlands. This was a proud moment for me in my new role as Woodland Officer for Schools, and we look forward to seeing many more similar projects in the future, fostering a love for nature and community involvement among young people.”
Councillor Joyce Welsh; councillor for Whitburn and Marsden, said;
“I’m a governor of Whitburn Primary and have also worked with the North East Community Forest. The job that’s being done here is great, the children have had an amazing day and loved every minute of it. They will be looking after these beautiful trees, and I have to say thank you to the Community Forest for what they’ve done to bring these trees to the school.”
Councillor Tracey Dixon, Leader of South Tyneside Council, said: “It was wonderful to join Whitburn Primary school children for their planting activities.
“As a Council we are passionate about the environment and have committed to planting at least 3,000 trees a year in South Tyneside. By being part of the North East Community Forest means we can boost our tree-planting targets while supporting the wider regional response to climate change.
“As well as improving air quality and reducing carbon emissions, planting projects like these will help to improve biodiversity, further develop our wildlife corridors and enhance greenspaces.
“It’s fantastic to see our communities getting involved, particularly when it brings our younger residents closer to nature.”
Mark Shipperlee, Operations Director, Living Woods
“What a glorious day, out in the sunshine planting apple trees and other native trees with children from different years of the school. Planting and caring for trees is so important – and so is getting people involved when they are young.
The children’s enthusiasm today was infectious, and the staff support brilliant - from reception year to year 4- everyone took part with great energy, and earthworms seemed to receive a lot of support.
As the planting season draws to a close, we all look forward to all the trees planted this year bursting their buds and coming into leaf – as the north east of England increases its canopy cover and increases biodiversity in local areas. At Living Woods we are proud to be working with the North East Community Forest team, in helping to deliver environmental change.”
The event highlights the significance of the Woodland Officer for Schools in engaging local schools in environmental activities. It also demonstrates the vital role of the NECF in expanding woodland areas across the North East.
The NECF is made up of seven local authorities, a combined authority, charities, and organisations and during the last planting season successfully planted over 163.98 hectares, including 239,916 trees and 17,447 linear meters of hedgerows.
Living Woods is committed to the creation and sustainable management of woodlands, empowering local communities to establish and maintain green spaces.