Children at Peasedown St John Primary School have been learning about the environment as part of a new tree planting project.

Last week, pupils and staff planted fifteen trees in the school grounds – which were kindly donated by the Peasedown Community Trust.

The Trust has set itself the ambitious target of planting over 500 trees in the village this year. Working in partnership with a range of organisations, such as the village school, the charity wants to encourage as many residents as possible to get involved in 2021.

School Governor and Charity Trustee, Alex Wright, said: “Trees are one of the important solutions to our climate emergency. They improve poor air quality, alleviate the risk of flooding, lock up carbon, boost our wellbeing – making us feel healthier and happier, and create habitats for wildlife. Educating the next generation on climate change and the impact they can have on reversing its effects is vital to tackling the issue.

Throughout 2021, the Trust will be doing a lot to raise awareness of the environment and the need to look after it.”

Of the 500 trees expected to be planted this year, the first 62 are already in the ground:

15 have been planted at Peasedown St John Primary School

10 have been planted at the Peasedown Croquet Club

3 fruit trees have been planted at the Dementia Friendly Community Garden

34 have been planted in residents’ gardens

School Headteacher, Damian Knollys, said: “We’re grateful to the Peasedown Community Trust for allocating these saplings to the school. The children had lots of fun planting them and are looking forward to watching them grow in the years to come.

The decline of our natural environment and climate change is the single biggest issue facing the planet. The more we can educate our children and young people – the next generation – the more equipped we are for the future for looking after our natural and local habitats.”

Peasedown Community Trust is working with More Trees for B&NES, the Woodland Trust and B&NES Council on various tree planting projects this year. If you would like to be kept updated with plans for tree planting in the village email: [email protected].

For more details, visit the Peasedown Community Trust Facebook page at: www.facebook.com/PeasedownCommunityTrust