Fairfield Spencer plants MicroForest with donations from Stapleford community

Young oak, wild cherry and birch trees will grow in the corner of a local field owned by the school, having been planted in teams by children and their parents. The trees were donated by the Stapleford Community Group and Stapleford U3A through collaboration with the Stapleford Town Council.

Ten of the saplings were provided by the Stapleford Community Group, whose food drives Fairfield Spencer has supported in the past. Richard MacRae, Chairman of the Stapleford Community Group and Stapleford town councillor, said they were happy to give back to the academy after their continuous support. He emphasised the importance of citizenship and hands-on community work for the children: “They take ownership of [the trees], they come back and watch them grow.”

U3A is a charity network facilitating opportunities for retired and semi-retired individuals to learn for fun from their peers. Hazel Stenson, Chair of the Stapleford chapter, explained that they got in touch with Fairfield Spencer as they were looking for a way to celebrate the organisation’s 40^th birthday. “We wanted to plant trees as something to carry on,” she said.

The endurance of trees was a major theme of the project, with the saplings representing—literally and figuratively—the continuance of the Stapleford community as adults invest in the futures of children. Many councillors expressed the hope that the pupils will continue to care for the saplings as they grow and, someday, bring their own children to see the trees they helped care for.

Councillor Teresa Needham gave a demonstration to the Year 2 pupils of how to plant the saplings and cover them in protective plastic, and the children got to work. They followed instructions carefully and collaborated closely to ensure each of the trees was correctly planted and protected.

“It keeps other pieces of nature alive,” said pupil Reuben of the growing micro-forest. “It keeps bugs alive, it keeps bunnies alive, it keeps squirrels alive.”

Several parents also volunteered to assist with the project. “With so much tech it’s nice to see them doing stuff like this,” said one father. He recalled memories of similar experiences enjoying the outdoors as a child and is happy to see children benefit from such opportunities.

Stapleford Mayor Ross Bofinger concluded the event by presenting a commemorative plaque for display in Fairfield Spencer Academy. “It’s brilliant that children enjoyed the project,” he said. “I hope they will come back.”