With the help of the Lord Mayor of Birmingham, Little Sutton Primary School children, Birmingham Trees for Life, Waitrose and Graduate Planet CIC, 15 city trees were planted under beautiful blue skies in Harvest Fields Park, Birmingham.

 

Organised by BTFL and funded by Waitrose & Graduate Planet, these trees will bring joy to the whole community, food and shelter for wildlife as well as a sense of responsibility and connection with nature to the local children.

 

Joined by Waitrose volunteers, the pupils worked hard while they learnt about the different types of tree species, planting skills, the food the trees will provide for local birds and insects and they gained an understanding of importance of sustainability. They were fascinated to discover that they were the same age as the trees and that they will last for the next 80 years, growing alongside them in their local park.

 

The school has an entrance facing this area of parkland, and in the centre of the park is The Harvest Fields Centre where we were treated to hot drinks and biscuits after all 15 trees were safely planted by the children and volunteers.

 

These projects give the children a greater understanding of environmental sustainability, a love of nature, creative and cooperative skills. They learn about the science of plants, animals, weather and the environment in a fun and productive way that they will be able to remember and use in the future.

 

Graduate Planet donates 100% of profit, generated through its’ recruitment services to a range of environmental initiatives from tree planting, renewable energy initiatives to sustainability education in local schools.

 

In a year, an average tree can remove 1 ton of carbon dioxide from the air and produce enough oxygen for a family of four, this project which is the result of one placement has provided enough oxygen for 15 families lifetimes, it combined volunteering, planting and a great learning experience for everyone involved, which is truly wonderful to see.