Archbishop Temple School in Fulwood has joined the Woodland Trust’s Big Climate Fightback by planting 400 trees.

Year 7 pupils planted a mixture of Rowen, Hawthorn, Wild Cherry, Mountain Ash and Silver Birch in the grounds of the school last week.

After learning about taking an active role in protecting the natural world by reducing their carbon footprint, pupils decorated pebbles with pledges to help the environment. The pebbles will form part of a display in the school grounds.

“Our pupils really enjoyed planting the trees,” said Mrs Gilmour, Head of Humanities. “The trees were ordered from the Woodland Trust’s campaign to plant a million trees.

“I was hoping to mark Sir David Attenborough’s 95^th birthday in May with pupils and staff making a Pledge to the Planet, but with the school closed due to Covid-19 this was not possible.

“We were not deterred though and planted the trees this month as this is such an important thing to do. The pupils were inspired by this single act, and many wanted to take trees home to plant as well.”

The event also helped to raise money for a new kitchen at Elunyu School in Kenya, one of the international schools supported by Archbishop Temple School.

As well as fundraising, pupils learned more about the international schools they have links with – schools in South Africa and Bangladesh and the school’s sponsor child in Mexico.

Read more: Royal Preston Hospital consultant sets up national organisation to support Indian nurses

Pupils also sent support via the Children’s Society website, and cards and letters to the international link schools.

They finished off the day by writing Christmas cards and calling cards with messages of hope and joy to local care home residents.

Read more: Latest news and updates from Blog Preston

What do you think of the pupils’ environmental and community efforts? Let us know in the comments.