Maidenhead & Windsor

Children from two Maidenhead primary schools will be taking time out from the classroom at lunchtime on Tuesday November 27 – to go to the park.

But it's all in a good cause as they will be taking advice from the Royal Windsor and Maidenhead Borough countryside rangers on tree planting and helping to create a new woodland at Ockwells Park.

The youngsters from Lowbrook and Wessex primary schools will be heading to Ockwells Park to plant trees at the nature reserve. They will be shown how to plant the trees and also be told about the importance and value they hold now and for the future.

The event is being held during National Tree Week* and follows a community day on Saturday (November 24) when 1,500 saplings will be planted at the park by members of the public to create 7 Oaks Wood.

As well as being an attractive place to visit, the new wood will contribute to a number of important elements of the Royal Windsor and Maidenhead Borough's sustainability agenda. These include:
· improving the borough's biodiversity by increasing the wildlife value of the area for animals and insects as the wood continues to change and develop over years to come
· contributing towards local air quality (trees have been proven to do this) and 'buying' a little time in the fight against climate change.

Cllr Jesse Grey, lead member for Windsor and Maidenhead community safety, leisure and culture, said: “This planting event is a great opportunity for children to understand the importance of the role they play in the environment and learn about how they affect its future.

“Lowbrook Primary School is registered with the National Eco-School Programme and Wessex Primary has already achieved the Bronze Award. So this project is helping pupils see what they have learnt for this initiative put into action. For both schools, such an active community involvement is an integral aspect of what it means to be a more sustainable school, an essential part of any sustainable community.”

For more information about the event, call the countryside rangers on 01628 777440.

The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead