PRIMARY school pupils are turning over a new leaf as they take part in a popular annual project.
 
More than 400 pupils from a dozen primaries will nurture saplings this winter as they prepare for Trees for Life 2014.
 
It’s the sixth year of this Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture initiative, which encourages primary pupils to learn about trees, both in the classroom and while out and about.
 
Five types of native broadleaved tree are being distributed to schools by DEFA this month for children to look after.
 
Teachers’ resource packs have also been issued showing pupils how tall the trees will grow and how to measure the height and age of a tree. Pupils will also learn about seeds, leaves, pests, diseases and planting.
 
The pupils will be bussed to Conrhenny in Lonan to plant their trees, under the supervision of DEFA’s forestry team, between 3rd and 7th March 2014. Their saplings will add to the 2,500 already planted by schools.
 
The site was selected as the Children’s Wood as it’s relatively flat and sheltered by established conifers on three sides.
 
The children will be planting hardy native species suitable to the peaty ground, including oak, downy birch, alder and rowan as well as ash.
 
It’s hoped they will return in years to come to see how their saplings have grown.
 
Brenda Cannell MHK, Member for Forestry with DEFA, and Juan Turner MLC, a member of both DEFA and the DEC, were at Braddan Primary School today to launch Trees for Life 2014.
 
As 28 Year 3 pupils took delivery of their saplings, Headteacher Louise Oates said: ‘We have taken part in the project for five years now and the children love the fact that their individual trees are planted to eventually become part of a greater woodland. It teaches them about native species and the environment that these create for other plants and animals. We encourage the children to go back to the plantation to see how the trees grow and change over time.’
 
Mrs Cannell said: ‘I am very proud to have been involved in this project since its inception. The Children’s Wood grows year on year and shows just how many children have been involved in this enjoyable and memorable learning experience. I look forward to helping the children plant their tress in the spring.’

Photo - From left, Tyler Hughes, eight, Leo Fox, seven, and Louis Walker, seven, with their alder saplings.