Darley Dale pupils plant new woodland to create a lasting legacy

Pupils at Darley Dale Primary School have planted a new woodland in their school grounds, creating a long-lasting, wildlife-friendly outdoor learning environment.

Richard and Penny Bunting, from local environmental project Little Green Space, joined pupils, staff, parents and governors before Christmas to plant 140 native trees, including oak, rowan and hawthorn.

Margaret Bax, a governor at Darley Dale primary school said the planting has created a long-lasting positive effect.

She said: “As a Forest School, we know that access to green spaces and outdoor learning is hugely beneficial for children. “These trees will benefit our current pupils and future generations of schoolchildren. Parents love having their children taking part in outdoor activities – getting muddy and learning about their environment.

“One of the parents helping us this morning can remember planting trees at the school when she attended herself as a child.”

The woodland was funded through a grant from The Tree Council. Trees were supplied by Derwent Treescapes and The Woodland Trust.