PUPILS CELEBRATE TREE COUNCIL'S 30TH ANNIVERSARY
December 23 2005
Far from decorating the tree this Christmas, pupils from St. Francis School in Bournville will be planting the tree, in fact, ten altogether. Year two schoolchildren are helping to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the Tree Council's National Tree Week by transforming their school grounds into a greener environment.
With expert advice and guidance from Bournville Village Trust Tree Wardens, the 6 year olds marked the start of the planting season by transplanting ten trees in the school grounds. Both St. Francis and St. Laurence schools in Bournville, received a grant from the environmental charity The Tree Council, the lead UK tree campaigning partnership.
Bournville Village Trust will continue the environmental theme by running a workshop in the New Year. Children will learn how trees enhance the environment and attract wildlife and will be taught how to identify the more popular trees.
John Croghan, Head Teacher from St Francis School said: "Tree planting provides the children with a fun activity that benefits the whole school. The trees will encourage wildlife and provide shade and shelter, as well as making the area look prettier. They will be a valuable learning resource with relevance across the curriculum."
The Tree Council's Director-General, Pauline Buchanan Black said: "We are urging everyone to plant trees anywhere they live, work, learn or play. Both St. Laurence and St. Francis are one of 103 schools and 39 community groups to share in grants totalling more than £52,000."
The Tree Council awarded St. Francis School £130 and St. Laurence School £100, which was match funded by Bournville Village Trust. Tree Wardens from the Trust will maintain the trees until they are established. Tree planting took place on 12th December at St. Francis School and on 16th December at St. Laurence School.
