A JUNIOR school has celebrated the Queen’s diamond jubilee year by helping to plant 105 trees.
Twenty-five children from year 6 at Locks Heath Junior School planted the saplings on Warsash Common.
Fareham Borough Council’s countryside service co-ordinated the planting with police officers, the school and the Friends of Warsash Conservation who were awarded the hazel, blackthorn, crab apple, elder and dog rose saplings from the Woodland Trust.
Each of the species produces a fruit or nut which is important to a variety of wildlife.
Teacher Julie Slamaker led the group of children, she said: ‘We were really excited to help plant the trees. It was an excellent opportunity to do something for the common that will benefit the local community.’
The Mayor of Fareham planted the first tree - a Royal Oak - close to the main entrance of the Common.
The rest of the saplings were planted by the children along the boundary line between Warsash Common nature reserve and the original section of Dibles Road.
Each child planted two saplings and fixed a deer guard around them.
One of the pupils said: ‘We had lots of fun planting and putting nibble guards and leaf mulch around the trees. I thought that the leaf mulch was the most fun as you got to get messy and get your hands in.’
The trees will eventually form a hedge and the remaining area will be planted with wild flowers and grass.
Executive member for community, Councillor Connie Hockley, said: ‘These hedges are lovely and will enhance the natural environment of the site.’
Cllr Trevor Cartwright and Cllr Michael Ford also planted oak saplings.
The Mayor of Fareham Councillor Dennis Steadman said: ‘The trees will be a lasting memorial to the jubilee.’
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