Anderson's Primary and Forres Academy pupils help Forres Friends of Woods and Fields at Sanquhar
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PUPILS from two local schools are helping an environmental charity create attractive woodland for everyone to enjoy.
With the assistance of a hard working Anderson’s P5 class and Forres Academy students, Forres Friends of Woods and Fields (FFWF) have gathered thousands of acorns, which will eventually be planted on a hill at Sanquhar that has recently been cleared of invasive plant species.
FFWF volunteer Nick Molnar said that Martin and Ed Wareham from Christie-Elite Nurseries visited the site and offered tree stakes and guards to protect native saplings from roe deer.
He added: “They also made the brilliant suggestion that we gather acorns, of which there are a huge amount this year, for future planting.
“Forres Academy and Anderson’s were keen to take this up, and in the following week eager pupils gathered upwards of 1500!”
Christie-Elite are placing the seeds in tree cells which will be planted back in the woods.
“The children will be able to witness their little acorns become mighty oaks as they also enter adulthood,” said Nick.
“There will still be plenty available for local groups, foresters and individuals who want to plant oak saplings of very local provenance.”
Anderson’s P5 teacher, Mr Nigel Sleaford, confirmed his class was very interested in helping because the school recognises how important it is for children to get out into the woods, and develop a sense of responsibility for natural places.
He said: “After years of laurels and rhododendrons covering the floor, it’s time to let some young oaks grow.
“We go for weekly walks around Cluny and Sanquhar, and, after noticing all the work being done by volunteers, we decided to help.
“At first we worked to thin out some of the sycamore saplings growing everywhere on the hillside.
“Of course, with the sapling we cut down, we couldn’t resist a bit of shelter building! We were pleased that our work let a lot more light onto the floor of the woods so small plants and saplings of native species can develop.”
Nick confirmed that many members of the public have expressed surprise at the transformation over two weeks of the “impenetrable jungle” into an open, mixed area of native trees by ECO Highland Tree Services.
Laurel and rhododendron stems were cut as close to ground level as possible and shredded by a large, tracked chipper which spread the chips out over the area.
Nick said: “The previous dark jungle is now full of light and open space. This will allow the woodland to naturally regenerate as well as giving us the opportunity to plant out native species including oak, gean, rowan, elder, holly and birch.
“It is also possible that the existing seed bank, which until now has been suppressed by being robbed of light, will send up a varied woodland flora.”
FFWF now want to build steps from the site to the Kennel Field end.
“This will provide a pleasant ridge walk with a view onto the wetland at the end of the Sanquhar Pond,” said Nick.
“Also, after the success of the acorn gathering, we hope to encourage more schools activity in the woods.”
Email Nick at nicpip@googlemail.com for more information about the Forres Friends of Woods and Fields project.
