12 PRIMARY school in the Island have taken delivery of a number of tree saplings for schoolchildren to nurture throughout the winter.
The annual Trees for Life initiative is organised by the Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture, and encourages children to learn more about trees both in the classroom and outside.
The saplings consist of five types of native deciduous tree – oak, ash, rowan, alder and silver birch.
Teachers have been issued with activity packs to teach the children how tall trees can grow and to measure the height and age of a tree. Pupils will also learn about seeds, leaves, and tree identification.
In March schoolchildren will visit the Conrhenny Plantation in Lonan to plant their saplings.
Adrian Shorthouse, headteacher at Scoill Vallajeelt - one of the participating schools, said: "The children really enjoy being part of this hands-on project. They know that they are making a positive difference to our Island environment which gives them a real sense of pride."
To date around 1,000 trees have been planted through the department initiative.
Tim Crookall MHK, Member for the Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture, said: "The department is delighted to be supporting this scheme now in its third year.
"We have received excellent feedback from participating schools which reflects the tremendous value of the project both in terms of children's improved knowledge of our native tree species and the great enjoyment gained from planting their own trees."
