STUDENTS from a town’s schools have been planting young silver birch whips, donated by the local ‘In Bloom’ group.

It is part of a campaign by Newent in Bloom to raise awareness among youngsters and their families of wildlife and climate change.

All of the town’s schools were involved from Glebe Infants to Picklenash Juniors to BTec Horticulture students at Newent Community School.

“I’ve never planted a tree before” said 14-year-old Aaron Baker, who took part.

Newent in Bloom co-ordinator Lynn Ashton told him: “These young trees can grow 30cms a year, so as long as you remember to water this one it will be taller than you by the time you leave school.”

Silver birches were one of the first species to colonise Britain after the Ice Age.

Lynn said they tolerate poor acid soils, and bear catkins early in spring before many other trees come into flower, making them useful nectar bearers and pollinators for early-flying insects.

“Apart from drought, their main enemies when young are rabbits, mice and deer, because the young bark is thin and the sap is very sweet, so all the trees have been protected with spiral rabbit guards which will ‘grow’ with the trees.

“It’s so important for the next generation to become involved in caring for our environment,” she added.