PENNYBURN Primary pupils joined forces with North Ayrshire Countryside Ranger Linda Tedford to plant 10 fruit trees next to their school.

And the pupils rolled up their sleeves to dig holes and get planting on Wednesday morning.

They were joining a national campaign run with the Tree Council to create an orchard in their area.

Ranger Linda applied to the Tree Council on the school’s behalf to receive an orchard pack which offers free orchard and fruiting hedgerow kits to schools.

Linda said: “The planting of the orchard and fruit hedgerow trees is a great activity on its own, getting the children out in the fresh air and getting them physically active is terrific.

The pupils are all set to plant a pear tree.

The pupils are all set to plant a pear tree.

“But it’s much more than that – the activities that can come after the planting where the children can get out of the classroom and learn about seasons, harvesting and so much more, it’s a really worthwhile initiative.

“Today, they have learned that the trees not only provide nectar and pollen for our wonderful bees and grow a health snack but they also create a beautiful environment for them to spend in during breaks.

“It’s a brilliant addition to any school grounds and I cannot praise Pennyburn School enough for taking up this opportunity.”

The pupils planted apple, pear and cherry trees with some help from Ranger Linda.

Teacher Mrs King said: “It’s great to see the children learn about the power of trees and it is good of North Ayrshire Ranger Linda to take time to come out and help us create our very own orchard.

“It’s cold but we don’t mind getting outside and helping our orchard begin to grow.

“We will be following up the planting by learning more about trees and sharing our findings with the parents and the other pupils at the school.”

Team work is best for these pupils.

Team work is best for these pupils.

Pupil and tree planter Sophie said: “This is hard work but I can’t wait to pick an apple from the tree I planted next year or some cherries.

“Trees are amazing. But I didn’t realise how much work it was to plant them.”

The Orchards for Schools Project has been backed by sponsors including Sir Lord Sugar.

Sarah Lom, CEO of The Tree Council said: “We know that young people are an inspirational force for nature.

“The Orchards for Schools programme allows young people to plant fruit-bearing, wildlife enhancing, carbon storing orchard or fruit hedgerow, a lasting and leafy legacy for their school.

“Although it has been a challenging year, this project allows young people to re-connect to nature and each other and to learn about the amazing power of trees.”