STUDENTS GET STUCK IN AT BRANSTON LEAS!

Year 8 students from Abbot Beyne School in Burton-on-Trent got their hands dirty and helped plant hundreds of new trees and bluebells at the new Branston Leas Woods.

The group of 16 students planted 72 trees and 400 bluebells in all – with some of the students enjoying it so much thatthey plan to make a return visit.

Branston Leas Woods is a new bluebell woodland next to the River Trent that is being created by St. Modwen in partnership with The Woodland Trust, The National Forest Company and Staffordshire Wildlife Trust.

When complete it will boast 21,000 trees, seven acres of wetland for wetland bird species and grazing livestock that will help manage and increase the biodiversity of the site.

The students’ teacher, Miss Cleaver, said: “The students had a great time planting at Branston Leas – I know that some of them would like to repeat the experience and may now even consider gardening and wildlife work as a career!”

A public planting event will be take place at Branston Leas Woods on Sunday March 29 between 9.30am to 11.30am, meeting at the car park of the Riverside Inn, on Riverside Drive, Branston. Everyone is welcome, all tools will be provided and no previous experience is required.

Shaun Rimmer, of The Staffordshire Wildlife Trust, said: “The event will give people the opportunity to plant their own tree and be involved in the creation of this valuable local wildlife area. As well as improving the site, planting trees is great exercise and can be used as a great educational tool for learning about the wider environment.”

For more information please email plantatree@branstonleas.co.uk or call Shaun Rimmer on 01889 880100.