Environmental Science students get involved in tree-planting project

Environmental Science A Level students at Birkenhead Sixth Form College have been getting their hands dirty in an important local tree-planting project.

Despite the elements being against them, six first year students who began the new A Level course at the College in September, plus some family members and dog helpers, turned up to the area on Boundary Road in Bidston on Saturday to take part in the volunteering event hosted by Wirral Borough Council. 

The Community Planting project has a goal of planting over 10,000 saplings (baby trees) over the winter to help hit the target of doubling Wirral’s tree canopy by 2030. Leading the way in terms of commitment to planting new trees and reducing carbon emissions, Wirral is one of just three councils across the country who have got involved in the Community Planting project, relying on the help of passionate volunteers like our Environmental Science students.

Environmental Science teacher at the College, Mike Graham, said: “As part of the course, we’ve recently been discussing the range of benefits that tree-planting projects can bring, so this was a fantastic opportunity to get our hands dirty and be involved with a really important local project.

“I was so impressed by the positive attitude of our students, who braved the wind and rain to take part. It was also great to hear the students talking about the important legacy that this new area of woodland will bring to the local area in the future, and help the UK government reach its carbon reduction commitments.”

Mike concluded: “Bringing what we study in the classroom to life is such a good opportunity for students on this vibrant and exciting course. It’s never been more important or relevant to be equipped with knowledge of our environment and the troubles we face, and the A Level qualification that students will finish the course with could be invaluable, not just to their future career paths but their every day lives too.”

There is a further tree-planting project event taking place at Arrowe Park later this year. Details will be included in the weekly student bulletin, but the opportunity to get involved is open to all students, not just Environmental Science students, and all volunteers will be helping the Wirral lead the way to making the area greener.

For more on studying Environmental Science at Birkenhead Sixth Form College, click here.