News
Tuesday 9 June 2009Chapelcross Efforts Bear Fruit on World Environment Day
To mark World Environment Day on Friday 5th June, the Chapelcross Green Forum carried out a range of environmentally friendly activities which included the distribution of over 70 apple trees to local primary schools throughout the region.
Local primary schools throughout the Dumfriesshire region were asked if they would like a pair of apple trees to plant in their school grounds to celebrate World Environment Day. Over 30 schools responded positively to the offer from the Green Forum, which is a voluntary environmental group of like minded employees at Chapelcross.
To launch the project, pupils at LaurieknowePrimary School got their hands dirty by planting a pair of donated apple trees in their school grounds.
The idea was the brainchild of Chapelcross Environmental Compliance Officer and Green Forum member, Peter Brown. He said “The planting of these trees will give pupils and teachers the chance to environmentally enhance their school grounds. The trees are a great way for the children to learn more about nature and should help raise environmental awareness amongst staff and pupils alike. It may also encourage an increased interest in biodiversity where pupils can truly experience the ‘fruits of their own labour’ as they monitor progress such as tree growth, seasonal changes and the different apples produced by each specimen.”
The Chapelcross Green Forum have hailed the project a success and estimate that the 33 schools planting apple trees will help clear the air of 77 tons of CO2 over the next few years and also provide a harvest apples that will provide a free, healthy eating option.
