Over 100 trees and hedgerows were waiting to be planted at the Skate Park in Thame. A group of children, aged between 11-15years old, that are home educated were interested in a free session of tree planting with 21st Century Thame.
The session ran a couple of hours, first a quick introduction and then straight into planting a range of trees.
The group were given the list of trees with a brief fact and appearance of each one to help them identify and understand a bit more about what they are planting.
-Hawthorn, Hazel, Dog rose, Crab apple, Rowan, Oak and Silver birch.
21st Century Thame provided children with a tree to adopt, giving them something that requires care and attention, and instilling a sense of responsibility. They were each given a plaque where they would write their name on it. Once a tree was adopted there was a worksheet to fill in, being a soil detective, using adjectives to describe the soil: crumbly, dry, soggy, then finding something living, a plant or a rock in the soil. The children learnt how to plant trees and were given information on how to care for them and they recorded the measurement from the top of the root to the top branches, with the idea that they would return in a couple of months to see if the tree had grown and by how much. These small activities were designed for children to learn observation skills, environmental awareness, responsibility and a deeper understanding of trees overall.
Tree planting along the Skate Park in Thame.
The children appeared to enjoy the tree planting, and there was a home made tree biscuit for a break, and fun in the park at then end of the session. They took some extra trees home with them too! 21st Century Thame aims to inspire the younger generation to engage with and care for nature, fostering a passion that could lead children to pursue careers in the environmental sector.
Thank you to Lucy Electric for specific support for our nature education strand, and as always to our brilliant business sponsors Lightfoots and BP Collins, and support from TTC and SODC for our projects.
For more information on home education sessions or if you would like to volunteer at any of our education events please email [email protected].
