South Malling Tree Nursery, Lewes, East Sussex
The following feedback from Euan Crockett, aged 9:
What can you think of that involves 27 children, some spades, soggy soil, a woods man and some baby trees?
On Friday November 17th, the year 5 class from South Malling Primary School in Lewes went on to their school field to plant some special trees.
Paul, from the Earth Restoration Service, brought some small hazel, ash and oak trees for us to plant on the edge of the school field. He dug some holes for us and we dug some others. We held the trees in the holes while he put the soil in around the tree roots.
When they are big enough the trees will be planted somewhere else where they are needed. We’re looking after them whilst they grow and until they are ready to be planted in the wild.
The reason it’s important to plant trees is because trees provide oxygen – we need them to breathe and to live. Also, when we cut trees down, we are destroying animal’s habitats. Planting trees is important for humans, animals, birds and insects to live happily and healthily.
It was so great to feel as though I am helping the world by planting the trees.
The day in pictures:
Andy Hawkings, right, ERS representative assisting with the tree saplings. Although the driving rain came later that day, spirits were high.
There is a saying about weather and planting trees: if it is a bad day for the planter, it is a good day for the trees.
Picture left: Paul and Ben. Paul, also our ERS representative and horticulturalist, created the tree nursery alongside the children.
"People who will not sustain trees will soon live in a world which cannot sustain people. "
Bryce Nelson
All the children planted their own tree, and now they will take care of the trees until they get outplanted in the beginning of 2007.
This school has been our first to join this initiative in the UK and we hope more will follow. It provides restoration locally and also an educational element, which benefit the children and community. The future generations will have to weave a positive relationship with nature and I am sure it has begun with the children at South Malling. (right photo, Alfie with his spade. Left Beth helping with the planting)
More photos of the outplanting day:
