Kirklandpark Primary School’s Eco Committee were on hand on the last day of planting the trees donated by The Woodland Trust as part of its programme to give everyone a chance to plant a tree and help improve our climate and counter global warming.

Teachers Lisa Purse and Rachel Thomson brought along pupils from P2-7 who were more than eager to get some hands on experience of planting the young trees.

Rachel said: “This is a great opportunity for our pupils to put all that they have been learning in class into practice. Being able to plant these trees in their local area is a fantastic opportunity for them to learn how they can impact on the environment in such a positive way.”

And Lisa added: “They have been looking forward to today for so long and are delighted to be able to take part in some outdoor learning that really does put their efforts at the heart of the community.”

Climate Action Strathaven was delighted that the children were so excited to get involved in the community project to help with the trust’s ambition to get hundreds of thousands of trees planted by schools and community groups across the country.

Climate Action Strathaven’s Project Worker Sarah Sall said: “We were delighted when our application to the Woodland Trust was accepted. We were sent the 420 trees along with the canes and tree protector spirals so that we could extend the shelterbelt in the green space adjacent to North Street in Strathaven.

“And as well as all the children who lent a hand, I’d like to thank all the volunteers who came along to help with the digging and planting.

“A big thank you must also go to South Lanarkshire Council’s grounds maintenance team for their expertise and guidance on how best to complete our project.”

The council’s grounds team made sure that prior to planting, the site was clear of any utilities such as power cables, water pipes etc as per the council’s permission to excavate policy. They then have been assisting with planting layouts and demonstrating how best to plant the trees.

David Booth, the Executive Director of Community and Enterprise Resources, said: “We are delighted to be able to help Climate Action Strathaven, the volunteers, and pupils from Kirklandpark Primary School in such a worthwhile project.

“The young trees they have planted in this wonderful green space area will be something that everyone will be able to enjoy, both now and for the generations to come.”

The Woodland Trust wants to make sure everybody in the UK has the chance to plant a tree. So, they’re giving away hundreds of thousands of trees to schools and communities.

George Anderson of Woodland Trust Scotland said: “We face a climate emergency and a nature emergency. Creating new woodland is an effective response on both fronts.

“This is a terrific effort from the children. We hope in the years ahead they will be able to see their trees grow, as they grow up themselves. It is a great feeling to be able to look at a tall tree and think - I did that.”

The variety of tree species donated by the Trust included hazel, blackthorn, crab apple, elder, dog rose, rowan, hawthorn, dogwood, wild cherry, silver birch, common oak and grey willow.