Children from four Buckinghamshire primary schools visited Epilepsy Society to plant a hedge as part of a Plant-for-the-Planet project. 

The children from Widmer End Community, Butlers Court, Little Kingshill and Chenies schools were planting a hedge in the garden of the Queen Elizabeth House residential care home at the charity in Chalfont St Peter.

Plant-for-the-Planet gives children across the globe the opportunity to learn about the threats of global warming to the environment, and then put their new knowledge into practice as they plant new trees.

The day was organised by Bob Sherren who showed the children how to plant the planet-friendly line of trees in protective chambers to shield them from hungry wildlife as they settle in their roots. 

Bob said: “The day really was ‘Thinking Globally, Acting Locally’ put into action. The children learned about the importance of planting trees as a way of helping to bring about climate justice for many living in poorer nations and of course thoroughly enjoyed planting the trees too.”

The eventual hedge, which will grow to full size over ten years behind Queen Elizabeth House, is made up of oak, silver birch, hazel and hawthorn. 

Bob added: “The children were also able to help the residents at Epilepsy Society because they will gain some well-needed privacy from the hedge in time.

"The natural wildlife benefits too from the berries and nuts that a hedge made from native species can provide as well as the potential for any number of nesting sites.”

Emma Darlington, Epilepsy Society’s volunteer officer, said: “I think it’s so important to encourage the younger generation that the future is in their hands and that they can make a difference, whether it is through taking part in projects like this or spreading awareness.

"We hope they learnt a little bit about the work we do at Epilepsy Society too - the trees they planted will be enjoyed by everyone here for years to come.”