As part of Scotland’s Year of Young People, young Scots will plant 2018 trees and sow wild flowers across Scotland in a new project organised by ReRoute, Scotland’s youth biodiversity panel. The Woodland Trust have donated 2018 tree saplings for young people to plant for free, 17 of which arrived at Castle Douglas Primary School ahead of outdoor classroom day.

The overall aim is for young people to have the opportunity to contribute to Scotland’s biodiversity, engage with nature and help support biodiversity in their local area.

The children decided to plant their trees on the football pitch and chose where they wanted them to go. By promoting the planting of trees, ReRoute are encouraging children to learn more about the important role of trees in Scotland; from storing carbon and making our air cleaner, to helping to prevent floods and providing homes for wildlife. ReRoute are also hoping to promote the benefits of planting wildflowers which are essential for wildlife and pollinators.

The children had a great time getting hands-on outdoors, helping to restore Scotland’s natural habitat and bee populations. We planted the saplings, scattered seeds and above all connected with nature!

“I enjoyed digging out the small stones in the soil to plant the oak tree” Niamh.

“We watered the trees once they were planted” Milly.

“I helped by putting compost around the tree” Yvie.

“I carried the oak to where we decided to plant it and placed it in the hole when it was deep enough” Erin.

“I found lots of worms when we were digging” Lucy.

“I loved getting dirty and I decided where I wanted the tree to be planted” Olivia.

“I got to help plant the final 7 trees, it was tricky to pull the cable ties around the tree protectors” Lacey.