Down schools planting hope for the future.
Dunleath Park in Downpatrick was the centre of a tree planting event by eleven schools from the local area.
The idea initially stemmed from the Down High School Eco-Enrichment Group in late 2018. This group of sixth formers wanted to find ways to increase the range of biodiversity in the area and to safeguard habitats for native wild flowers, birds and small animals including pollinators.
The group felt strongly about the importance of benefitting the whole community rather than just an area around a school, and they wanted to get all schools involved and working for environmental improvement.
Following discussions with 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. Then they approached the schools in Downpatrick to gauge the interest in a community tree planting session. The support was unanimous, and once all schools were on board they approached the Council to identify a site.
Cllr Mark Murnin, Chairman of Newry Mourne and Down District Council, said: “The Council understands the importance of trees and their role in keeping us and our environment healthy.
“We are committed to improving our greenspace for biodiversity and were more than happy to get involved with this initiative.
“The site chosen adjacent to Dunleath playing fields is accessible to all and is overlooked by the wonderful new Down Leisure Centre. It is an ideal location for a new community woodland.”
The pupils planted over 200 native trees including alder and willow, which were generously donated by local nursery owner Gerard Byrne.
Rachel Wilson, a teacher of Down High School, said: This was a chance for pupils to of all ages and abilities to get outside and improve their environment.
“It is about creating an opportunity for the young people of Downpatrick to focus on their future together. It is hoped that the woodland area will become an innovative outdoor learning environment for all the schools in the town. Local residents will also benefit and as the woodland matures it should help ease the flooding in that area.”
