A project to put schoolchildren in touch with the natural environment is really taking root in its second year.
'Trees for Life', a joint initiative between the Island's primary schools and the Forestry, Amenity & Lands Division, was launched last year.
At the centre of a 'hands-on' learning approach has been the creation of a new broadleaf area of woodland on Forestry land at Conrhenny Plantation in Lonan.
In November 2009, 16 participating schools across the Island received a share of 500 container-planted native broadleaf trees, which were cared for by the children over the winter
During the week of 8th to 12th March 2010, 23 classes from the 16 schools visited Conrhenny to plant the trees - a mixture of Oak, Ash, Birch, Alder and Rowan.
On the afternoon of Wednesday 10th March 2010, children and teachers from Ballacottier and Kewaigue Primary Schools were joined by Member for Education, Graham Cregeen MHK and Chairman of the Forestry Division, Brenda Cannell MHK to help with the planting.
Chairman of the Forestry Division, Brenda Cannell MHK said, "We had another great day for planting the trees and enthusiasm and participation from schools is building year-on-year with several more Schools participating than did in our first year.
"It is interesting to remember that it is now exactly 10 years since we planted the Millennium Oakwood at Braddan. This involved a huge number of primary school children who came together to plant their trees on one special day in Millennium Year.
"At Conrhenny, we hope to be able to continue planting each year well into the future and enable yet another generation of children to feel that they have made a difference. The area will grow to be an impressive and valuable area of woodland within their lifetimes.’
Member for Graham Cregeen MHK added, "Trees for Life is a lesson for life. This year, we have had 16 schools taking part in this scheme and they have planted a large area of land with their saplings.
"It will be a joy for this generation to be able to visit here over the years to come and see the trees that they have planted grow into a proper woodland.
"I would like to thank Mrs Cannell and the Forestry Division of the Department of Agriculture Fisheries and Forestry for the help and encouragement given to the children and of course the amount of hard preparation they have put into making this project happen.
"While lessons about caring for our environment and the ecological benefit of planting trees can be learnt in a classroom, it is very satisfying to be able to have the hands on experience of participating in this scheme to bring the message home."
Mrs Cannell concluded, "The Forestry Division has also produced and distributed an activity pack for use by teachers, which will enable the children to learn more about the importance of trees and how to plant and care for them."
For a copy of the activity pack, contact the Forestry Division on 801263.
