PUPILS at East Morton Primary School got their hands dirty to help an ambitious scheme that will see tens of thousands of trees planted across the District.
Bradford Council set a target of planting a tree for every primary school child in Bradford - a scheme that will eventually lead to 55,000 trees planted over two years.
Fruit Works Co-operative, one of the council’s partner organisations in the project will be helping pupils, staff and volunteers to plant 140 fruit trees and 140 soft fruit bushes, over the next few months, at 20 school sites across the district.
Fruit Works is engaging with 650 school children through this project, who are now all more aware of climate action and, along with future pupils at their schools, will enjoy the benefits of having fruit trees and bushes on their school grounds.
On Tuesday, Fruit Works helped children from Year 4, staff and local volunteers to plant fruit trees and shrubs in the grounds of East Morton Primary.
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Anne Proctor, Headteacher, said: "The children in year 4 have been inspired to name our new orchard 'Wangari's orchard' after Mrs Beecroft, their class teacher introduced them to 'Wangari's trees of peace' ; the true story of environmentalist and winner of the Nobel Peace Prize, Wangari Maathai.
"We are grateful to 'Fruitworks' for the delivery of this project. The children really enjoyed getting involved in the planting and are thrilled that the 'fruits of their labour', quite literally, will be enjoyed by the future children at East Morton CE Primary School."
Councillor Caroline Firth, assistant executive member for climate emergency who is also the school's local councillor, said: "The youngsters clearly had a wonderful time and grasped why trees are so important, and how to take good care of them.
“This is a practical project that really does engage young people with the world around them. It gets them thinking about and taking care of their environment, which is so important for the future of our district and region.
"Year 4 will be taking responsibility for the new trees and bushes, and are proud to do so. I hope to be invited back again in two years' time to help them eat whatever they decide to make with the fruit."
Tuesday's planting was the start of several planting sessions being carried out this year by the council and its partners, which include Trees for Cities, Forest of Bradford (BEAT), Bradford Environmental Education Service, Yorgreen CIC, Town and Parish Councils.
The Council has invested £250,000 into the programme and invited schools and community groups to express an interest in taking part. The programme is being supported by Trees for Cities which is funded by The Dulverton Trust, The Prince of Wales's Charitable Fund and The Arbor Day Foundation. As well as The players of the Postcode Lottery.
So far over 40 schools have signed up to take part in the project and have native trees, fruit trees and/or hedges planted on their sites.
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