Hemsworth-Based Secondary Academy Students Take Part In Woodland Trust’s ‘Big Climate Fightback’
Members of the local community have come together to take part in a tree planting as part of the Woodland Trust’s ‘Big Climate Fightback’.
The tree planting took place at Vale Head Park, in Hemsworth near Pontefract, and involved were members of The Friends of Vale Head Park, Volunteer Tree Wardens, West Yorkshire Police, Wakefield Council, 40 students from Outwood Academy Hemsworth and infants from the nearby nursery.
In addition, charity Open Country, who help adults who have disabilities access the countryside, came to help and the Council Chair of the Planning and Highways Committee, Sandra Pickin and Wakefield Council Deputy Leader, Cllr Jack Hemingway also took part.
The Woodland Trust is the UK’s largest woodland conservation charity and cares for over 1000 woods, helping to protect trees by leading the fight against tree pests and disease, as well as planting trees.
Roger Parkinson, Chairman of the Wakefield Tree Wardens Group and Woodland Trust Speaker, said: “The tree planting at Vale Head Park was a great success and I am thankful to all those who turned out to help and take part.
“The only way we can make progress on climate change, and improve Wakefield’s environment, is by working together. Whether it is schools, businesses, the Council, or local people, when we have success it is as a community.
“Free trees are available to schools and community groups by applying on The Woodland Trust website.”
The two day event, held on 4th Feb and 3rd March, saw those taking part planting an incredible 1650 trees. In addition to the planting, attendees were taught more about how to care for a tree, as well as planting one. These trees are now part of The New Northern Forest.
Prior to the event, Roger visited Outwood Academy Hemsworth, based on Wakefield Road, to talk with students. In a special assembly at the academy, Roger and students discussed the importance of trees, how the students can help in the fight against climate change, and how trees were used during our history including for industry and war time.
After the assembly, students who wished to take part in the tree planting were asked to write a short piece about why they wanted to plant trees in the local community. An incredible 120 students applied for a place at the tree planting with the lucky 40 chosen by the academy.
Toby Rutter, Principal at Outwood Academy Hemsworth, said:
“We are incredibly proud to have been a part of this great occasion, and to be playing a part in contributing to the sustainability of the local community.
“At Outwood, we believe in playing a leading role in the communities we are privileged to serve and this event is an example of this.
“We look forward to continuing to play our part and working closely with the Woodland Trust and the ‘Big Climate Fightback’.”
Following the students’ efforts, there are plans to unveil a plaque in the park which will read ‘planted by students of Outwood Academy Hemsworth’.