Pupils from Howard Community Academy have today (15 March 2022) planted the first of 3,000 new trees in their school grounds.
The primary school in Bury St Edmunds is creating a healing wood, in response to Suffolk County Council’s ambition to create these reflective spaces around the county. Once planting is complete, the space will be open to the public, as well as the pupils and staff.
The school will also continue to work with Abbeycroft Leisure’s Explore Outdoor team to deliver further educational and wellbeing support programmes for the children at the school.
150 native Suffolk Clayland tree species were planted, along with a 5-foot Oak tree as a symbol of the woods that will grow on the site. This Eastern Claylands species mix was chosen to reflect native woodlands commonly found in Suffolk, comprising of Hornbeam, Wild Cherry, Crab Apple, Birch and Oak, and have been provided by the Woodland Trust.
Councillor Richard Rout, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Finance and Environment at Suffolk County Council, said:
“It’s a real joy seeing the children get involved with planting trees and being part of something that is going to be loved and appreciated by generations to come.
“This project realises two commitments made by the council: to developing mental health support in Suffolk, and to establish healing woods as a memorial to those we have lost during the pandemic in Suffolk. We want to make nature accessible to everyone, to enjoy the mental health benefits of being in touch with natural environment.
“I’m proud that Suffolk County Council has been able to support this work at Howard Community Academy with planning and expertise – and I’d like to thank the children and the school’s staff, and colleagues at the Woodland Trust for making this possible.”
The remainder of the 3,000 trees will be planted during the next tree planting season, later this year.
