School pupils swapped the classroom for muddy boots and spades as they joined naturalist and broadcaster Chris Packham for a hands-on rewilding project, helping plant hundreds of trees aimed at restoring wildlife habitats.
Thirteen pupils from East Allington Primary School, part of Education South West, travelled to a rewilding site near Launceston during the half-term break. They were accompanied by their class teacher Lisa Howells.
The visit took place at a 50-acre site at Downicary, which has been purchased by Eco Talk, a mobile service provider that reinvests its profits into rewilding initiatives and biodiversity enhancement projects across the UK.
Downicary is one of several locations where Eco Talk is working to restore habitats and create new opportunities for wildlife to thrive.
The pupils were welcomed by Chris Packham before taking part in an educational session delivered by the Woodland Trust.
Armed with new knowledge and plenty of enthusiasm, the children then began planting alder, aspen and willow trees in the wet ground near the riverbank.
Over time, the trees are expected to establish wet meadow and riverside habitats, providing shelter and food for insects, birds and other wildlife.
Projects such as this aim to help address England’s status as one of the most nature-depleted countries in the world by restoring biodiversity and supporting greener landscapes.
The pupils were praised for their hard work and positive attitude, impressing Woodland Trust staff and even appearing on BBC television during the event.
In total, around 200 trees were planted during the day.
Liam Fielding, executive headteacher at East Allington Primary School, said: “This was a truly memorable experience for our pupils.
“Working alongside Chris Packham and the Woodland Trust team brought classroom learning to life and empowered our children to see that they can make a real difference to the natural world.”
Matthew Shanks, chief executive officer of Education South West, said: “We are incredibly proud of the pupils from East Allington Primary for the way they embraced this opportunity.
“Experiences like this connect children with the natural world and give them the knowledge and sense of responsibility to shape a more sustainable future.
“Working alongside Chris Packham and national partners demonstrates the power of collaboration in inspiring the next generation to care for and protect our environment.”
