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Children have been planting trees at their school to improve air quality and help to tackle climate change.
Five six-foot tall trees were planted at Byfleet Primary School near Woking on Friday (29 November) to help mark National Tree Week. The school is adjacent to the M25, so the trees will provide sound screening from the motorway as well has helping to absorb carbon dioxide for future generations.
The planting was part of Surrey County Council’s initiative to plant 1.2 million trees in the county by 2030 – one for every resident. Mayor of Woking, Cllr Beryl Hunwicks, joined headteacher Pauline Crowley and pupils for the planting at the school, which was supported by Woking Borough Council.
A mature tree can absorb about 48 pounds of carbon dioxide a year and convert it into oxygen, as well as providing homes for wildlife and improving the local environment.
Mrs Crowley said: “When we heard about Surrey County Council’s plan to plant 1.2 million trees in Surrey we were keen to be involved. Planting trees along the school’s boundary is the most natural way to screen our school from the M25 as they will reduce noise and air pollution for our children for years to come.”
Cllr Hunwicks said: “This is a great opportunity to come together at Byfleet Primary School for National Tree Week, which marks the start of the winter tree planting season, to learn about the importance of trees and the positive difference they make to, not only our local area, but globally as well. As a borough, we have long worked to tackle climate change and I’m very proud that these trees planted today will stand tall for generations to come.”
And with Advent starting this weekend, Surrey County Council is encouraging residents to donate just £3 when they buy a Christmas tree to support the planting of new trees in Surrey.
Surrey County Council is working with Surrey Wildlife Trust to support the fundraising and the planting. Squire’s Garden Centres will be promoting the scheme to customers at their 11 Surrey branches, as well as Santa Firs at its Christmas tree shops in Newlands Corner and Pond Lane Farm in Shere.
To donate visit www.surreywildlifetrust.org/surreytrees