Pupils get dug in to help create biodiversity at March school site

A March school has added to the biodiversity of its site with the planting of 60 native trees and shrub saplings.

Pupils in Years 3,4 and 6 at All Saints Academy took part in a tree planting session under the guidance of Ashley Lydiate from the community environmental charity Groundwork East.

Ashley said: "The tree planting was made possible through funding from Fenland District Council which has been granted to Groundwork East to help improve the tree cover in the Parish of Elm and North Ward of March through planting sessions with local volunteers and community groups.

"The funding covered designs drawn up by a senior landscape manager from the charity as well as the trees themselves and staff time to facilitate the planting sessions.

"In total, nearly 60 native trees and shrub saplings were planted around the playing field as well as three larger silver birch specimens in the front carpark area.

"Other species include oak, alder, willow, hornbeam and hazel as well as shrubby species such as spindle, hawthorn, guelder rose and dog rose.

"A small orchard area was also planted which included four types of apple, conference pear and Victoria plum trees. "The areas planted will help add to the biodiversity of the site as well as act as green corridors for wildlife and provide fruit, shade and interest for many generations to come."