Forfar Academy pupils sow seeds for fruitful future

Forfar Academy pupils are branching out with a new project which will connect them with nature and encourage them to discover the joy of growing their own produce.

By
Mark Dowie
Friday, 21st January 2022, 3:00pm
Forfar Academy pupils sow seeds for fruitful future

The pupils have joined a national #ForceForNature inspired by The Tree Council’s Orchards for Schools project and this week became a force for nature by planting a new orchard and fruiting hedgerow in the school grounds.

The youngsters received an orchard pack from the Tree Council’s Orchards for Schools initiative, which is offering free orchard and fruiting hedgerow packs to schools around the country and inspiring teachers and pupils to get outdoors and plant and care for fruit trees and hedges.

With the help and support of Scottish Woodlands, a local forestry company which has offered its expertise and guidance, planting began on Wednesday morning.

Mairianna White, home economics and health improvement teacher, said: “The pupils at Forfar Academy are very excited to be planting their own orchard. We have been learning about locally sourced foods and sustainability in our planning of the orchard.

"For some of the pupils planting it will be their last year with us, so will be a nice way for them to make their mark on the school before they move on to their next stage in life.”

Schools and students have faced a very challenging year as they deal with the impacts of Coronavirus and planting a fantastic school orchard or hedgerow will reconnect them with nature and each other and give them an opportunity to spend time outdoors, making themselves and their school environment healthier.

Sara Lom, the Tree Council’s CEO, said: “We know that young people are an inspirational force for nature. The Orchards for Schools programme allows young people to plant fruit-bearing, wildlife- enhancing, carbon-storing orchard or fruiting hedgerow, a lasting and leafy legacy for their school! In what has been a very challenging year, the project allows young people to re-connect to nature and each other, and to share what they have learnt about the amazing power of trees.”

The project is organised by the Tree Council in partnership with the Orchard Project and Learning Through Landscapes.

This website and its associated newspaper are members of Independent Press Standards Organisation (IPSO).
© 2024 National World Publishing Ltd.
crosschevron-downcross-circle