19 March 2007.

TREE PLANTING AT PENKRIDGE RAISES KNOWLEDGE OF NATURE

When Stafford’s Labour MP David Kidney and the Chairman of the Forestry Commission Lord David Clark attended Penkridge Middle School last Friday, the learning was definitely two-way.

The pupils already run a very active eco-school committee and their representatives were keen to tell the politicians of their work on planting trees and flowers, recycling glass, paper and cardboard, saving energy by switching off lights and litter-picking.

David Kidney and Lord Clark were keen to assist the pupils planting 50 trees, supplied by the Forestry Commission, and to show why trees are a force for good in our natural environment. David Kidney explains:

“Trees absorb carbon emissions and pump out oxygen, which is why they are like “green lungs”. They provide food and homes for a wide variety of animal life, from birds and squirrels to insects. They provide people with shade from the sun, a barrier against strong winds (and Friday was windy!) and in this particular case, the trees will be an added protection against the noise from the M6 motorway.

“These young students were ready learners for these lessons because their eco-school experience has already given them a great appreciation of their environment. They are a credit to all their teachers including the deputy headteacher, Mr. Richard West, who has made possible their eco-school successes.