29 October 2007

Final Bellamy Programme planting for the season at Weaver’s Park

The final planting for the year in the Huntly Environmental Awareness for the Future initiative took place recently at Weaver’s Park.

Forty-five Huntly West Primary School Year 7 and 8 students planted more than 100 native plants at the north eastern end of the park under the watchful eyes of Forest Flora consultant and programme facilitator, Wayne Bennett, and Solid Energy representative, Charlen Goulter. Solid Energy contributed funds to cover expenses for the Weaver’s planting.

The area, close to Paki Street and visited by Dr David Bellamy during his 2006 visit to Huntly, was chosen for its proximity to the school and its potential as an ongoing beautification project for students and the local community.

“The programme was initiated earlier this year by Brian Curle and has been a huge success. All the schools in Huntly have participated, which is a great credit to the town,” says Wayne. “The students have been enthusiastic, worked really hard and have learned more about their environment. They have all made a hands-on contribution to what their town will look like in the future.”

Under the programme each student at a school plants a tree, with additional trees planted in subsequent years by new students. A record of student names and plantings is held in a central public register. Schools can opt to plant trees either in their own grounds or a public area such as near the river or Weaver’s Park.

“As a school we’re really pleased to be part of the programme as it provides so many different learning opportunities for our rangitahi,” says Huntly West Principal, Barry Bloomfield. “Weaver’s is right on our doorstep and features strongly in our local community. The connection between it and our school is natural. It also gives us a long-term environmental education project to develop and get our teeth into.”

Huntly West Primary’s efforts bring the total number of native trees and shrubs planted in and around Huntly during 2007 to 708.

ENDS

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