Working in the dusky cold, the gardening club have worked very hard this half term to prepare for next Spring. They have already planted a thorny hedgerow, a grove of silver birch trees and another of sweet cherry trees, then last night started to put in lots of bulbs. Daffodils, crocuses, bluebells and grape hyacinths were planted around the bases of the new trees.
Why are we planting trees? You may be aware, Gateshead Council, along with many other councils in the country, have declared a Climate Emergency and has committed to various actions to help the people of Gateshead mitigate and adapt to climate change. A part of this commitment is an ambitious programme of community supported tree planting across the borough. An important part of our ecosystems, trees provide shade in hot weather, reduce air pollution in our towns and cities, help control water run-off in heavy rain events, as well as providing fantastic habitat for wildlife and a fun place for children to play. To help schools in Gateshead make the most of the benefits of trees, the Council has partnered with the Royal Forestry Society to provide support for schools who would like to engage in this exciting programme by planting in school grounds. So the council provided the trees, we will plant and nurture them and over the next few years we will take part in various projects planting, not just in school, but in the wider community. As a Forest School we are absolutely committed to do our part to mitigate climate change and the devastating effects that it will have on our world if we don’t act now.
