Pupils get digging to support national tree campaign

Local schoolpupils in Shrewsbury have been getting their hands dirty this week as part of a national tree planting campaign.

The tree planting events organised by Shrewsbury Town Council and Shropshire Council is part of the Government’s ‘The Big Tree Plant’ initiative to encourage people and communities to plant more trees in England’s towns, cities and neighbourhoods. The aim is to plant 1 million trees across England by 2015.

Throughout last week, officers visited Grange Primary, Sundorne Infant, Crowmoor Primary and Harlescott Junior Schools.  Other visits visit have been planned for Wednesday 14 December at Sundorne Secondary School  and Thursday 15 December at Radbrook Primary School.

Councillor Cecilia Motley, Cabinet member with responsibility for carbon reduction and sustainability, said:-

“Anybody can get involved in planting and caring for trees to help make their neighbourhoods more attractive, healthy places in which to live and work.  Trees in urban environments are particularly important, in providing shade and shelter from sun and wind, by filtering pollutants from the air and of course absorbing the greenhouse gas carbon dioxide and giving out oxygen at the same time.”

Councillor Malcolm Price, Cabinet member responsibile for conservation, said:-

“Tree planting is a great way to teach children about nature, and this project gets them actively involved in improving the environment of their schools.  The trees they plant today will be a benefit for generations to come; perhaps one day their own children will come to the school and enjoy the very same trees.”

Both councils are working together to promote the campaign, and over the next several months will be planting over 100 new trees in schools, parks, streets and public open spaces throughout Shrewsbury.  Trees include a variety of native species including birch, oak, beech and ash, to some exotic varieties such as sweet chestnut and dawn redwood.
This first phase of the project is to be completed by March 2012.  Pending approval for Big Tree Plant funding for a further 3 years, it is hoped to roll out the project to other market towns and villages across Shropshire from April 2012 to April 2015.
For more information about events call 01743 252422; for information about The Big Tree Plant Campaign visit www.defra.gov.uk/bigtreeplant 

The Big Tree Plant is a campaign to encourage people and communities to plant more trees in England’s towns, cities and neighbourhoods. It is a partnership bringing together national tree-planting organisations and local groups working with Defra and the Forestry Commission to plant trees throughout England.