Pupils from Braishfield Primary School took part in the nationwide initiative to plant trees as part of the Queen’s Green Canopy, in honour of the late Queen. A field maple tree was donated by Hillier Nurseries and with the permission of Braishfield Parish Council, pupils from the school’s eco-team enjoyed taking part in the tree planting on Braishfield Recreation Ground. As custodians of the tree in its early life, one pupil said: “We’ll make sure it gets plenty of water for it to grow.”
Fran Clifton, who organised the planting, said: “Field maple are native trees which can survive for hundreds of years. They are underrated trees as they produce stunning leaves in autumn and attract lots of aphids, ladybird, moths, bees and birds.”
Cllr Carole Renvoize, who is retiring from the parish council after 17 years, said: “I’ve really enjoyed being a local councillor and seeing projects like this happen in our community. It’s been rewarding – with the local elections coming up, I hope to see more younger people taking an active interest in the work of councils.”