Local schoolchildren have helped plant around 30 new fruit trees and a small ‘mini forest’ in Cannock Chase, thanks to government funding awarded to Forest of Mercia CIC.
Pupils from Pye Green Academy and Staffordshire University Academy joined staff from Staffordshire County Council to plant apple, pear and cherry trees along two footpaths in Pye Green.
The trees will grow to provide blossom in spring, fruit in the autumn and a welcoming space for local families to enjoy.
The children also helped plant a mini forest. This is a tightly packed cluster of native trees and shrubs grown using a special method that makes them grow ten times faster than conventional woodland. They will provide valuable habitats for birds, insects and other wildlife.
Over three days, pupils learned how to plant and care for young trees, why trees are important, and how food like fruit can be grown in everyday places.
Staffordshire University Academy pupil, Aaron Bickley, 12, said:
“I’ve enjoyed that I got to help the planet and help the community. I learnt that it doesn’t cost anything to help anyone. It felt fun to just see how many trees we could plant. It gets you active and it’s more fun than just sitting in a classroom and doing work – plus, it helps the environment.”
The project, funded by Defra’s ‘Trees for Climate’ programme, is part of ongoing plans to involve local people in planting and caring for trees.
Staffordshire County Council will look after the trees, as part of its ongoing site maintenance, and continue to involve the local community in tree care and fruit tree harvest events.
The aim of the project is to involve more people in looking after their local area, teach children new skills, support wildlife and create places that people can enjoy for years to come. It also supports the county council’s wider work to look after Staffordshire’s green spaces and encourage people to work together and take pride in where they live.
Hayley Coles, Staffordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Communities and Culture, said:
“It was wonderful to see the children getting stuck in and enjoying the experience. Planting trees helps young people understand where food comes from and how nature supports us every day.
“We’re really grateful to the schools and the Forest of Mercia for working with us on this project, and we hope local families will enjoy watching these trees grow over the years.”
Dave Knowles from the Forest of Mercia CIC said:
“It is great to be working with local children on this tree planting project.
“This planting was funded through Trees for Climate, meaning we can work with different communities to involve them in tree planting and improving their green spaces for the future.”
Staffordshire residents who want to see more trees planted in their area can contact the county council’s Tree Strategy Manager by emailing trees@staffordshire.gov.uk.
For more information about local tree planting initiatives across Staffordshire, visit the Forest of Mercia website.
