Pupils from the Dorset Studio School near Dorchester got their hands dirty recently helping staff from Dorchester Town Council to plant some of the 71 large standard trees in the second years planting scheme at Kings Road open space, part of an initiative to create a community woodland.
The year 9 students were thanked for their help and given a briefing by the team including information about the trees and their benefits to both wildlife and people before they enthusiastically got on with the job. Planting included the provision of a watering kit, two wooden support stakes and ties along with a biodegradable mulch mat and pegs to keep weeds at bay and help the trees get off to the best start possible, all of which were installed by the students in quick time.
David Humphreys, Director of Land & Environment specialism said:
” Having our students working with Dorchester Town Council to support climate mitigation in our local community is a fantastic opportunity to get experience of our land-based curriculum. It’s an amazing legacy for the students to see the impact of their contribution for years to come.”
The afternoon was very much enjoyed by the students they learned a lot from town Council staff about practical planting work to build on their recent experience of hedge laying.
Toby White, land based studies year 9 student said:
“It is great to be learning from the experts from the council – particularly to see the equipment they have and how it is used to support increasing biodiversity across Dorchester.”
Funding for the trees came from the Forestry Commission as part of the Urban Tree Challenge Fund initiative and from Dorchester Town Council. Significant tree planting has taken place over the last few weeks, seeing the completion of year two’s work. The project so far has seen an open grass area be transformed into a woodland for all residents and visitors to Dorchester to enjoy.
Pupils from the Dorset studio School receive some instruction from Lee Fearnley of Dorchester Town Council.