GREEN-fingered pupils from a school in Severn Beach have done their bit for the local environment with a mass-tree planting exercise.

All 115 pupils from Severn Beach Primary School, aged four to 11-years-old, took part in the community event on March 17, to plant the saplings on the grounds of the Severn Beach Parish village hall along side members of the parish council and members of the Forest of Avon Trust.

Peter Tyzack from Pilning and Severn Beach Parish Council had attended the school the day before to talk about the project, and show the children the trees they would be planting.

Classes went down one at a time, with each tree colour coded with stickers so that the children could track the trees they planted as they grow.

Mr Tyzack said he was genuinely impressed with the children’s interest in the project, noting the “forest of hands” that went up to ask questions during the assembly and complimenting their sensible and serious questions.

He said: “Clearly they are getting a rounded education at Severn Beach Primary School, and the teachers and the children's parents can be justly proud of the children for their excellent behaviour and positive attitude to the planting.”

Headteacher Tanya Haigh said how delighted she was at the success of the project, thanking the council and Forest of Avon for allowing them to get involved.

She said: “The children were fascinated by the idea that these very tiny saplings would grow into big, strong trees and it very much mirrors the journey that our children go on whilst at Severn Beach and beyond.

“We were delighted to be asked to be part of this and will continue to support and be involved with Severn Beach community events in the future.

“At Severn Beach we are keen to develop legacy projects. Lots of our parents attended the school as children themselves and we are keen to have long lasting reminders of the time spent with us, this community project very much does the same thing.”