Pupils help plant fruit trees to help offset carbon emissions

Schools in Neath Port Talbot have been given fruit trees to help offset carbon emissions and to be used as a learning resource for pupils.

The project was thought up by Neath Port Talbot’s Youth Council who teamed up with The Old School Nursery in Cwmtwrch to supply the trees.

Just short of 100 fruit trees were donated to 31 primary and secondary schools across the county borough. Pupils from each school helped to plant the trees and will be responsible for the aftercare.

Erin Sandison, Neath Port Talbot’s Youth Mayor and Youth Council member, said: “As a Youth Council, we feel it’s really important that everyone plays their part in looking after the environment for future generations. Planting one tree at every school may only make a small difference but we are committed to doing our bit to offset carbon emissions and provide a habitat for wildlife.

“It’s also a good opportunity to get pupils outside the classroom and learn about the importance of nature and growing seasonal produce.”

Councillor Peter Rees, Neath Port Talbot Council’s Cabinet Member for Education, Skills and Culture, said: “Getting pupils to roll up their sleeves and get involved in planting trees is the perfect way of helping them to understand the importance trees have in the local and global environment.

“The council’s Decarbonisation and Renewable Energy Strategy (DARE Strategy) sets out our commitment to reducing our own carbon footprint and we how we plan to work with businesses and communities for a cleaner, more prosperous and healthier county borough”.

Lee Roberts, the owner of The Old School Nursery, said: “I think it is a great initiative, one that will benefit the schools and the local community. I was happy that I was able to support the Youth Council and provide the trees for their project.”

Neath Port Talbot’s Youth Council is made up of young people aged between 11 and 25 who champion Children’s Rights by ensuring they have a say and influence decisions affecting their lives.

Schools in Neath Port Talbot that are interested in receiving a tree should contact Rachel Davies, Youth & Community Worker at r.a.williams@npt.gov.uk