Future Woodland Planted behind Ballynahinch Leisure Centre.
Pupils from the Assumption Grammar School in Ballynahinch have planted over 1000 trees to create a new woodland behind the Ballynahinch Leisure Centre.
Future generations will enjoy this initiative by the pupils. The new Woodland idea came from the pupils of the Assumption Grammar School, through its Eco-Enrichment group, and a socially distanced community tree planting event took place on Thursday 10 December.
Newry Mourne and Down District Council Chairperson, Councillor Laura Devlin said: “The pupils, with help from their teachers and members of the Council, have planted over 1000 native trees, including alder and willow, which were sourced from the Woodland Trust.
“The site chosen behind Ballynahinch Leisure Centre is accessible to all is the ideal location for a new community woodland.
“The Council understands the importance of trees and their role in keeping us and our environment healthy and the Council is committed to improving our greenspace for biodiversity and were more than happy to get involved with this great initiative.
“It is hoped that the Woodland Area will become an innovative outdoor learning environment for all the schools in the town, and also benefit local residents by becoming a beautiful place to visit as the woodland matures.”
Assumption Grammar school teacher Shirley McVeigh said: “Last year this group of Year 14 pupils wanted to find new ways to increase Biodiversity in the area, and to safe-guard habitats for native wild flowers, birds, small mammals and pollinators.
“They felt strongly that it should benefit the whole community rather than just the area around the school. After gaining advice from Newry Mourne and Down District Council, they planned a successful tree plant on their own school grounds last spring to experience what would be involved.
“They then approached the Council for help to locate a suitable community site which would benefit the wider community.”
