Pupils Tree-Planting to Save the Environment

David W
Mar 1, 2020
2 min read

Ron and Eileen Cox of have kindly sponsored the acquisition of 16 fruit trees and 15 raspberry canes which, with the help of enthusiastic pupils, have been divided between Russell St Primary School and St Mary and St Giles South Site. Ron and Eileen particularly wanted children to be involved in the planting, so that they would be engaged in projects to help protect the environment. Sandra Lewis, Head of Russell St School, and Kate Holland, Head of St Mary and St Giles Junior School, were delighted for the children to play their part.

Before Christmas, Mary and Phil Sarre, Ron Cox, Mary Robinson and Andy Malleson prepared the ground at Russell St; and Mary and Phil and Judy Deveson, helped by a very enthusiastic band of St Mary and St Giles pupils, marked out where the 12 trees should go in St Mary and St Giles. Even before Ron and Eileen offered to buy the trees, this group of eco-savvy pupils had set up a petition calling for more trees, and they were keen to help in the planting of the trees after they’d been delivered in mid February, when Stony in Bloom volunteers descended on the school with spades and forks. The pupils have promised to water the trees and keep a diary of their growth. They were all very knowledgeable about the value of trees in reducing air pollution and providing food for birds and insects. They also felt that fruit trees would be a healthy and tasty food item for themselves and other pupils!

The following day SSIB volunteers gathered at Russell St to plant the three apple trees and a plum, and the fifteen raspberry canes. Again, a group of pupils were keen to help, and they watered the saplings in.

Happily the trees will have had a good start with all the rain that has been pouring down over the last weeks!