Pupils from Meadow Farm Community Primary School have today taken part in a planting initiative to help enhance local wildlife and improve biodiversity in the local area.
Derby City Council have partnered with Trees for Cities to plant over 30,000 trees as part of the A52 widening scheme. The planting of these trees has been made possible thanks to funding from energy company npower, who plant a tree for every customer that signs up to their ‘Go Green’ tariff for 90 days or longer, providing 100% renewable energy.
The new trees will make the local area greener and healthier, improving the quality of life for residents. This is why local people, particularly school children were invited to take part in the planting. While out planting, children also gained new skills and knowledge on how to care for the trees, which will hopefully be valued for generations to come.
Sporting wellies and spades, 45 children aged from 7 to 11 years, tackled the mud, to help plant around 350 native British trees in the local area.
Councillor Jonathan Smale, Cabinet Member for Communities, Neighbourhoods and Streetpride said:
It’s really encouraging to see young people getting involved in schemes like this, and educate them to care for and respect their local area. All the youngsters thoroughly enjoyed the morning and they can now watch the trees grow and take pride that they helped plant them.
David Elliott, Chief Executive of Trees for Cities added:
We are delighted to work with Derby City Council on this project to improve areas adjacent to the A52, and to engage local people in creating a new urban woodland to enjoy. A huge thank you also to our partner, npower, who work with us to plant a tree for every customer on their Go Green Tariff for 90 days.
Samantha Eyre, Headteacher at Meadow Farm Primary School went on to say:
The pupils had a fantastic time, and It was a great opportunity to make a positive difference to our local community. It was so much fun planting the trees and especially getting very muddy! We are very proud to have planted 350 trees in total and look forward to seeing the woodland grow.