Every child in a York school has helped to plant new trees which will double the size of their existing Forest School area.
Children from from Early Years to Year 6 at Lord Deramore’s School, Heslington, take part in forest school lessons.
Forest fires, tree climbing, den building, whittling sticks, forest play, mud kitchen activities and creative tasks such as making charcoal and mud paint are regularly enjoyed by children of all ages.
The tree planting is part of the Queen’s Green Canopy initiative, to plant trees to mark her Platinum Jubilee.
The 36 trees planted by the children were kindly donated by the Environment Agency, whose contractors, ATM, expertly arranged the planting and coordinated the enthusiastic young workforce.
The trees form part of a wider project by the Environment Agency, who are committed to replace every tree removed for necessary flood defence work with five new trees.
Frances Lilley , a Year 6 pupil said, “It was so much fun planting the trees and it’s great to think that people in the future will be able to enjoy them.”
Helen Smith, who is spearheading grounds development said, “Every child has been involved in planting a tree and pupils will be able to watch them grow for many years.
“When we have raised enough money, the trees will be incorporated into the forest expansion; this will offer many more opportunities for all children, local people and community groups who use this space.”
The school have set up a Gofundme page to raise funds to replace the old, rotting fence with a much larger one – approximately 180 metres which will incorporate the new trees into the forest school area.
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