Green-fingered school children plant 2,500 trees

150 primary school children have been doing their bit for the environment by planting 2,500 trees.

To mark National Tree Week, the UK’s largest annual tree celebration, Wyre Forest District Council organised three tree planting events with three primary schools in Kidderminster.

Last Wednesday (1 December), children from St Mary’s CE Primary School created a woodland corridor, perfect for wildlife at Springfield Park.

The following day, Thursday 2 December, pupils from Heronswood Primary and Pre-School planted trees at Heronswood Road play area.

On Friday (3 December), a hedgerow was planted at Willowfield Drive play area with help from students at St Catherine’s CE Primary School.

The events were aimed at giving children hands-on experience in planting and caring for trees while teaching them about the importance of planting ‘the right tree in the right place’.

Pupils learnt how trees make a difference to our environment by producing oxygen and soaking up Carbon Dioxide, providing shade and creating natural habitats for wildlife.

Councillor Helen Dyke, Leader of the Council said: “It was brilliant to see so many school children coming together and getting involved in our tree planting events, I hope they enjoyed the experience.

“National Tree Week was a great opportunity to work with the next generation and allow them to play a role in making our air cleaner and our district greener. Each child will be receiving a certificate from the council, thanking them for their hard work.”

Over the three events a selection of British native tree species were planted, including; Hawthorn, Dog Rose, Field Maple, Crab Apple, Hazel and Blackthorn.

The council would also like to thank two families from Stourport-on-Severn who donated 100 trees and planted them at Burlish Meadows Nature Reserve to create a hedgerow corridor.

Picture shows St Catherine’s CE Primary School Year 6 student, Niamh Wright.