PUPILS from Mappleborough Green C of E Primary School helped plant the Heart of England Forest’s two millionth tree.
Planted on the charity’s new site at Gorcott Hill, the tree represents a huge milestone in the Heart of England Forest’s mission to create and conserve a 30,000-acre forest for the benefit of the environment, people and wildlife.
The site is set to become home to the charity’s Future Forest Guardians programme, which aims to engage young people in nature.
Beth Brook, Chief Executive, the Heart of England Forest said: “Our pledge is that by the time these schoolchildren and the trees we plant reach maturity, we will have created a forest that is at the heart of a greener, cleaner and more diverse natural world in this community.
“While tree planting on its own will not be able to get us there, we believe that every tree we plant today or acre of land we add tomorrow can make a genuine difference to the future of society and our planet.”
The pupils that took part in the tree planting are already engaged in a programme of Forest learning that sees them visit the Forest each half term for outdoor lessons.
Pupils from Mappleborough Green have been working with the learning and skills team at the Heart of England Forest for several years and are just one of a number of schools in the region to participate in regular outdoor learning in the Forest.
Alexander Finch, Head Teacher, Mappleborough Green C of E Primary School said: “Our children and staff have hugely benefitted from their visits to the Heart of England Forest.
“The children relish playing and learning in the natural world, and experiencing the beautiful forest environment in all seasons and weathers has had a very positive impact on their wellbeing.”
