Media Releases

Reading Schoolchildren to Plant 49 Fruit Trees

27/01/2010

Press Release

Youngsters from six Reading schools are planting 49 fruit trees to create edible playgrounds next month.

The planting kicks off at Oxford Road Community School where five fruit trees - a mix of apple, cherry and mulberry - will be planted by the youngsters. Two ornamental birch trees will also be planted at the front of the school to brighten the entrance.

Trees have been donated by Reading-based IT company Westcoast, in celebration of the company's 25th anniversary of incorporation.

The five other primary schools taking part in the scheme are Wilson where five espalier fruit trees will be planted, Micklands which will have ten trees, Emmer Green which is getting 16 trees, The Hill which will plant eight trees and Newtown where five fruit and two ornamental birch trees will be put in place.

The Council's Natural Environment team will be on hand to help the pupils and talk to them about the benefits of planting more trees.

The projects are an initiative of international urban tree planting charity Trees for Cities, and have been made possible thanks to generous support from both Westcoast and the Reading Festival.

The projects, delivered in partnership with Reading Borough Council, form part of the charity's Trees for Food strategic theme which is bringing trees grown for fruit and nuts back into the urban landscape.

The aim of the edible playgrounds is to give children an edible green space and develop their interest in nature and trees, and also to learn about the importance of healthy and locally grown produce. The edible playgrounds also serve as an outdoor learning resource for the schools, encourage bees and other insects and support the urban ecosystem.

Last February, 46 fruit trees were planted at four Reading schools to create the first round of edible playgrounds.

Graeme Hoskin, Reading's Lead Councillor for Culture and Sport, said: "Edible playgrounds are a fantastic idea and it's great that six more local primary schools are benefiting from the generosity of the Reading Festival and Westcoast, and the support of Trees for Cities."

Sharon Johnson, Trees for Cities' Chief Executive, said: "We are delighted that two of Reading's most successful businesses share our passion for Trees for Food in local schools. The trees will make a huge difference, particularly in town centre schools that currently lack green spaces."

Joe Hemani, Westcoast Chairman, said : "Westcoast are delighted to support this initiative in the local area with which our company has been associated for 25 years. I hope these trees provide a long legacy to Oxford Road Community School."

The Oxford Road pupils will be joined by parents, staff and governors at the planting along with Trees for Cities Patron Melvin Benn, and Joe Hemani and Alex Tatham from Westcoast.

ENDS

Notes for Editors:

PHOTOCALL - THURSDAY 4TH FEBRUARY, 11.45am, OXFORD ROAD COMMUNITY SCHOOL : The Oxford Road pupils will be joined by parents, staff and governors at the planting along with Trees for Cities Patron Melvin Benn, and Joe Hemani and Alex Tatham from Westcoast.

Further Information:

Trees provide many benefits, such as adding greenery and colour, providing wildlife habitat and improving air quality by absorbing carbon and releasing oxygen and by filtering pollutants. They can reduce noise, particularly from traffic, reduce surface water runoff and flooding caused by heavy rain and provide shelter and shading from wind, rain and sun. They can also reduce urban temperatures, which is especially important with regards to climate change adaptation. They have also been shown to contribute to better mental health.

Trees for Cities is an independent charity which plants trees and landscapes public spaces in urban areas. The charity’s vision is to stimulate a greening renaissance in cities around the world that will impact on global warming and beautify the urban landscape, as well as encouraging greater social cohesion through the active participation of local people. A special effort is made to involve children and young people in all of the projects. The public can get involved by sponsoring trees, registering as a volunteer, enrolling in training programmes, taking part in the annual Tree-Athlon and going to fundraising parties - see www.treesforcities.org www.treesforcities.org  for more information.

Sally Moore
Tel: 0118 939 0944