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All 105 pupils at Hambledon Primary School, in Hambledon village, each planted a sapling as part of an initiative led by the car parking firm RingGo.

Year 6 pupil Layla Plenty, 10, said: ‘We studied about climate change in Year 5 and it’s really important to plant trees as when they photosynthesise the leaves take in carbon dioxide. (The gas) can trap heat and cause global warming.’

Classmate Teddy Chapman, 11, added: ‘I’ve really enjoyed planting the trees which provide habitat for our wildlife.

From left, Ava, 6, Oliver, 8, and Lily, 7. Tree planting at Hambledon Primary School with trees donated by RingGo. Picture: Chris Moorhouse (120220-33)

‘They also take in carbon dioxide and so this will help reduce our carbon footprint.

‘While I’m leaving the school this year my sister will get to see her tree as she moves through the school.’

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For headteacher Paul Davies the initiative provided an opportunity for youngsters to learn about the natural world – and reduce the school's carbon footprint.

Children from left, Oliver, 8, Jasper, 7, Grace, 7, Joseph, 8, and Eadie, 6, with back row, from left, Headteacher Mr Davies, Dave Mitchell of RingGo and Cllr Martin Tod. Tree planting at Hambledon Primary School with trees donated by RingGo. Picture: Chris Moorhouse (120220-29)

Mr Davies said: ‘This has been a fantastic opportunity for the children to make an active contribution toward their learning environment and the sustainability of our beautiful rural village of Hambledon.

‘It was the chance to educate children about issues such as global warming as they are the generation who are going to have to deal with it.’

Mr Davies also said the initiative would allow younger children to see their trees grow as they progress through the school.

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Joseph, 8, plants a sapling. Tree planting at Hambledon Primary School with trees donated by RingGo. Picture: Chris Moorhouse (120220-31)

RingGo decided to get involved in the project out of a sense of social responsibility and in a bid to reduce its carbon footprint.

Head of professional services at RingGo, Dave Mitchell, said: ‘As a business we were looking to add social value and to look at how we could offset our emissions in a bid to become carbon neutral by the end of the year.

‘One of the ways to achieve this is to plant trees and we thought getting involved with school projects was the best way to do this. The response from the children has been excellent and hopefully the trees can make a real difference to the school environment.’

Also planting his own tree was deputy leader of Winchester Council, Councillor Neil Cutler.

Cllr Cutler said: ‘It’s fantastic to see the children planting these trees as it’s their future at stake.’

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