Trees planted in schools in Cambridgeshire and Bedfordshire

More trees have been planted as the end of the winter season nears, in schools across Cambridgeshire and Bedfordshire.

A tree planting at Challney High School for Girls in Bedfordshire also took place. It was wonderful to meet some of the pupils and staff and to talk about why we were planting the tree. There are plans for alumnae to talk to the girls about life at Newnham and the pupils hope to visit Cambridge sometime soon. They planted an Evenley-Red Acer Campestre (Field Maple). Alumnae who attended the planting were Jo Withers (NC 1984), Jo Burke (NC 1984), Jane Curry (NC 1972)  and Heather McCallum (1984). Jane Curry said,  “It was a lovely occasion and I felt honoured to be there … it will raise the profile of Newnham and put Cambridge within the sight of more girls from a wide range of backgrounds.”

On Friday 21 January, student ambassadors, Schools Liaison and Outreach Officer and Jo Burch visited Wilburton CE Primary School with Newnham’s Head Gardener, Lottie Collis to help them plant their tree as part of Newnham’s 150th Anniversary celebrations and give an assembly all about university to pupils. During the assembly, Newnham Student Ambassadors delivered a presentation to the whole school on University, Cambridge and Newnham College. Pupils helped dig a hole for and plant a Peasgood Nonsuch cooking apple tree in the hope of years of delicious apples to come. Schools Liaison and Outreach Officer Aisling Gilgeours said, “We had so many amazing questions from students … one student asked how much ‘playtime’ you get at University!” 

William Westley Church of England Primary School, Whittlesford planted an Acer ‘Fairview Flame’ on 7th February 2021. Student ambassadors will return in the Summer to deliver an assembly, as COVID sadly curtailed plans in this department in February.

There is still time to get involved – especially if you have any connections with local rewilding projects, orchards and schools. Look at all the locations trees have been planted so far here, and how to get involved here.