On a bright and crisp Wednesday afternoon, 14 students trekked to the far end of the field to take part in a tree-planting afternoon, as part of National Tree-Planting Week. We had secured 210 native British trees from the Woodland Trust, and armed with spades and forks, we set about the task of digging holes and getting the trees planted. We were guided by an expert from Kent County Council, who talked to students about which species to plant where, as well as how to stake the trees and offer them protection with eco-guards against the Abbey rabbits that love to eat anything we put in the ground!

Everyone worked incredibly hard, supporting each other and working well in teams. After nearly two hours of labour, we had managed to plant 150 trees, and Forest School will do the remainder. Everyone had a really fulfilling and enjoyable afternoon. A special shout-out needs to go to Austen C in Year 7, who asked to do a litter pick as well and cleared lots of rubbish off the field. Well done to everyone for making the school a more eco-friendly place for now and for future generations, who will see the trees grow and flourish.