Pupil’s planting boosts nature reserve

Pupils from Devonshire Primary School helped to plant an orchard in their local nature reserve, the Devonshire Avenue Nature Area.

The youngsters spent a morning digging deep through tough chalk soil, to plant six apple and pear trees. Officers from Sutton Council’s  Biodiversity Team were on hand to show them how to best plant the trees and teach them about how the trees will grow.

It is hoped the nature reserve will eventually be home to a small orchard, which will complement the existing wildlife, which includes bees, butterflies – including the scarce small blue butterfly and other insects.

The orchard is being rejuvenated as part of a wider project to improve the site for the local community, which we have spearheaded as Liberal Democrat Councillors for the Ward. Further plans include new benches and a self-guided nature trail.

Heather said “It was wonderful to see the children enjoying themselves, and learning so much at the same time: how chalk developed from microscopic sea creatures millions of years ago; how to plant trees using a mixture of the original soil and compost and how to encourage wildlife.  These lessons will stay with them for a long time”

Councillor Graham Tope, Executive Member for Community Safety, Leisure and Libraries at Sutton Council, said: “The pupils from Devonshire Primary School worked very hard to plant these trees, and I’m sure that in years to come they’ll be proud to come back and see the fruits of their labour.

“This is a great asset for the local community, and with more features on the way to make it even more usable, I hope local residents will make the most of it this spring and catch a glimpse of some beautiful natural wildlife.”