Ash Hill: Planting fun Crookesbroom: It’s tree time!

Dedicated tree keepers have taken responsibility for a tiny forest of 600 whips planted at Crookesbroom Primary Academy as part of the Queen’s Green Canopy project.

Nevaeh, Aliyah and Livvy in Year 5 are keen environmentalists and members of the Eco School team, leading the school’s tree keepers and other initiatives such as soft plastic recycling. Head of Academy Rob Harvey said, during the hot weather, they have worked tirelessly to ensure the saplings received a good drink. The project was in association with City of Doncaster Council.

“We also planted a full perimeter hedgerow containing a mixture of native species,” he said. “This greenery will make our Academy beautiful, improve air quality and serve as a brilliant learning tool for environmentally aware citizens of the future.”

Livvy said the project helps keep Earth alive and healthy.

“One day, we’ll just sit amongst those trees and appreciate how we’ve accomplished something so brilliant,” she said.

Aliyah was also enthusiastic about the Queen’s Green Canopy, a nationwide tree planting initiative created to mark Her late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee last year.

“There were too many species for us to count when we tagged the trees,” Aliyah said.

“I enjoy looking after the trees because caring for them makes me happy.”

Nevaeh said: “The rangers are amazing because they go around helping the world.

“When I got to plant trees with them, it really made me feel at home because I love being around nature.

“Not enough people care for nature which makes me upset.”

One hundred whip trees were planted by Ash Hill Academy’s student council to create a small copse as part of the Queen’s Green Canopy initiative. Organised by Colin Leonard, the students said “It was so much fun planting the trees and it’s great to think that people in the future will be able to enjoy them.”

Ryecroft: Star pupils

Two boys from Ryecroft Primary Academy are finalists in the BBC Make A Difference - Community Category.

Archie and Oscar chose to create Archie’s Farm within the Forest School area as they would like to feed the homeless and the Holme Wood community.

They were interviewed on BBC Radio Leeds and they and Head of Academy Helen Wrightson are attending an event in September at the Royal Armouries in the city where the winners will be announced.

Helen said: “We are very proud of Archie and Oscar. Fingers crossed they win!”