Following the success of its inaugural year, the Forestry, Amenity and Lands Division is re-launching the ‘Trees for Life’ initiative for Primary Schools.
 
This initiative is designed to bring younger school children in touch with trees and the natural environment through a scheme of 'hands-on’ learning which will involve the creation of a new broadleaf area of woodland on Forestry land at Conrhenny Plantation.

During November, participating schools across the Island will receive a share of 500 container-planted native broadleaf trees such as Oak, Ash, Alder, Birch and Rowan.

They will care for these until March next year, when children will transport them to a 12-acre site at Conrhenny Plantation for planting.

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.

The numbers of participating schools has increased slightly on last year and will involve 23 classes from 16 of the Island’s Primary Schools.

Chairman of the Forestry Division, Brenda Cannell MHK, said, "The Department was delighted by the success of the first year of tree planting at Conrhenny. 

"The energy and enthusiasm shown by the Island's children was a joy to behold. Having nurtured the young trees throughout the winter, they couldn't wait to plant them the following spring.

"It is particularly pleasing to see the number of schools wishing to participate in this initiative increasing this year.

"We have planted wildflowers in between the first year’s planting of young trees which should provide an early display and which will give ongoing beauty through the years it will take for the young trees to reach  maturity.  In the longer term, children will be able to come back and see the site grow and develop into a valuable community woodland ".

Minister for Education, Anne Craine MHK added, "Tree planting is great fun and the children gain so much from the experience of going out into the countryside, with their wellies on, getting their hands dirty and planting a tree. 

"Their enjoyment comes not only from taking part in the scheme but from the knowledge that they are benefiting their environment in doing so.  Young people are more ecologically aware than ever before. 

"While we can all recognise the social benefits of tree planting that enhances our lovely countryside, the children realise that they play an important part in combating climate change and creating the perfect habitat for much of our wildlife.

"I am very pleased that we are able to work in conjunction with the Forestry Division to bring the benefits of this hands-on experience into the classroom."

In conclusion, Mrs Cannell expressed her thanks to the Minister of Education for her support, the teachers for their continued interest and enthusiasm in making the learning experience exciting for the children and to DAFF's foresters for the support and the help given to the children during the planting process.

 
Pictured: Mrs Anne Craine MHK, Mrs Brenda Cannell MHK and a team of young 'planters' at last year’s Trees for Life event.