University Teams Up With Green-fingered Scouts
25 November 2010
Some of the volunteers who helped plant 30 trees in the University grounds.
The young volunteers got so much out of the day. They'll be able to revisit the site in a few years and see how their hard work has paid off, and it counts towards their Environmental Partnership badge too.
”David White, Assistant Cub Scout Leader
A partnership with local Scouts has brought 30 new trees to the University's Kedleston Road site.
Volunteers from the 151st Allestree St Nicholas group joined University staff on Saturday 13 November to plant the trees, which included crab apples, hazels and cherry plums.
Nearly 20 young people aged 6 to 14 were joined by their parents and leaders to take part in the activity, which was facilitated by the University of Derby's Estates Management team.
The trees, all of which produce edible seeds, nuts and fruit, were planted in strategic locations within the University grounds.
Now, the site will provide further habitat for local wildlife, which will increase the area's biodiversity.
Partnership
The trees were donated to the Scouts by Sainsbury's and the Woodland Trust as part of their Active Kids programme. However, the group ran into difficulties finding somewhere to plant them, and they asked the University for help.
David White, the group's Assistant Cub Scout Leader, said: "I remembered the University's 'Environmental Champion' programme, of which I am part, and thought there was potential for a partnership. The University's Estates Management team were happy to help and it went from there.
"The young volunteers got so much out of the day. They'll be able to revisit the site in a few years and see how their hard work has paid off, and it counts towards their Environmental Partnership badge too.
"It was also a lot of fun, which showed them how the outdoors can be a great place to be."
The University's Estates Management team were on hand to show the youngsters how to plant the saplings, and provided stakes and plant nutrition to help the trees survive and grow.
Action Plan
Lynn Richards, Environmental Manager at the University, said: "It's great that the University is able to work in partnership with the community on a project like this.
"The trees will leave a lasting legacy for the Scouts, some of whom may see them if they return one day as students.
"This work will help us to achieve some of the objectives detailed in the University's Biodiversity Action Plan, and we hope to carry out similar projects with the Scouts in the future".
For more information about this community news story, contact Luke Foddy on (01332) 591945 or email l.foddy@derby.ac.uk.
