Primary school pupils this week added to a growing Children’s Wood while learning about nature.
Six schools took part in Trees for Life, run annually by the Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture (DEFA) at Conrhenny Community Woodland.
Since the initiative began nine years ago, 4,000 primary pupils have planted saplings in a dedicated five hectare area called the Children’s Wood.
This week’s visitors, aged five to nine, planted oak, ash, downy birch, rowan and alder saplings under the supervision of DEFA’s experienced foresters.
This was after learning about trees in the classroom with the help of DEFA education packs.
David Cretney MLC, Member of DEFA responsible for Forestry, Amenity and Lands, said:
‘The Programme for Government outlines the importance of conserving and cherishing our environment and promoting recreational use of our beautiful countryside.
‘Through Trees for Life, children connect with the environment, learning about the crucial role of trees in supporting a healthy environment for both the landscape and the people who live around them. They learn how tall trees grow and how to estimate their age and height plus identify the seeds and leaves.
‘They also develop a wider appreciation of nature and the surroundings we are lucky enough to enjoy in the Isle of Man.
‘Children then plant their own trees, writing their names on the protective tubing for identification. They can then return time and time again to visit them, watch them grow and benefit from being outdoors in such a fantastic setting.’
Mr Cretney – who helped out at yesterday’s planting session with Graham Cregeen MHK, Minister for Education and Children – continued:
‘The first trees, planted in 2009, are growing well, with some of the taller specimens having tripled in height from their original size.
‘This year, some pupils were given the task of measuring the tallest trees, mapping them to identify which species is growing fastest.
‘Pupils also explored other parts of the plantation to see work undertaken by volunteer groups.’
