Pupils at Berry Hill Primary School in Mansfield have joined team members from the Sherwood Forest Trust to take part in a long-term tree planting project, called Deep Roots, Green Shoots. The project is focused on involving the community in planting new trees in areas of Sherwood Forest.
Deep Roots, Green Shoots is a project financially supported by the Linney Group, which has given funding for Mansfield youngsters to plant trees in Sherwood Forest.
Ian Major and Linda Hardy originally visited the school in November when the children helped with consultation about activities in Sherwood Forest. Ian Major explained about the history of the ancient woodland and heathland, how the Forest has changed over time and the negative impact this has had on wildlife.
Two classes of Year 3 children were joined by school staff and parents in their visit to Strawberry Hill Heath on 26th February to plant young oak tree. It was an unusually warm, sunny day. The children worked incredibly hard and showed real perseverance in digging the holes the trees needed, bashing through old roots and enjoying the warm weather.
In total the two classes planted 92 young oak trees, each with its own shelter to protect its early years from rabbits and deer.
Ian Major from Sherwood Forest Trust said: “It was marvellous to welcome the Year 3 children from Berry Hill Primary School to this part of Sherwood Forest, especially as most of them had not visited this beautiful place that is on their doorstep. Together we planted oak trees that will become woodland. The children worked very hard through the sessions, planted lots of trees and asked lots of great questions. They loved the story of Sherwood Forest’s pebbles!”
Jacqueline Hill, Head of Berry Hill Primary School said: “Our children were very pleased to be asked to help Sherwood Forest Trust with their tree planting. They worked very hard and were a credit to the school, showing determination to do a great job and give their trees the best start.
“Both children and staff learned a great deal about Sherwood Forest though our connections with the Trust. We hope that we can continue to develop our partnership to do future activities together.”