Jubilee tree planting at March's Neale-Wade Academy

Staff and students at Neale-Wade Academy held a special tree planting event to show support for The Queen’s Green Canopy Initiative.

The unique programme was created to mark Queen Elizabeth's 70 years on the throne and invites people from across the United Kingdom to ‘Plant a Tree for the Jubilee’.

Students from the school’s Eco Club and Bridge Unit joined other staff and students in planting 30 trees and a dense hedge at the front of the school.

This greenery was provided by the Woodland Trust as part of the charity’s ‘Free Trees for Schools and Communities’ initiative.

The school also planted a single specimen silver birch tree, supplied by March Town Council as part of jubilee celebrations in conjunction with three other Fenland schools – Cromwell Community College in Chatteris, Thomas Clarkson Academy in Wisbech and Sir Harry Smith Community College in Whittlessey.

All the plants used were British natives and were specifically chosen to enhance the local wildlife.

Neale-Wade principal Graham Horn said: “It’s an honour to have been able to celebrate The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee in this way, all while developing a picturesque area at our school and creating a haven for local wildlife.

“I would like to extend my thanks to our students who helped lead the event, and to our staff members, Mrs Holdich and Mr Tuffin, who supported with the removal of turf, planting trees, staking, adding rabbit guards to the tree trunks and the watering. We are thrilled with the new area and are pleased to be leaving a lasting legacy for the community and future generations to enjoy.”