Planting and Carbon Offsetting Day

On an autumnal Friday morning, more than 20 Barking Abbey students undertook a tree planting and carbon offsetting event.

Mr Cohen had organised for the school to receive a wide selection of native British trees, shrubs and bulbs. The aim was to improve the natural environment around the school as well as to educate the students in how to be more “green fingered”. The students were also taught about the concept of carbon ‘offsetting’.

Mr Ayub arranged for a fine collection of JLT members to join Mr Cohen’s Year 12 A Level class, to work together to plant 38 trees and shrubs as well as 168 assorted spring bulbs. There were also more volunteers from the Sixth Form who wanted to be involved in this event that would leave a lasting impression on the school environment. There was a need for more trees as two mature cherry trees were cut down last year due to their age.

The area selected for planting is behind the Technology blocks at the Sandringham campus. This spot is protected by fencing but is widely viewed from Woodbridge Road by pedestrians. This will allow the school and local area to benefit from the activities. It is the same area that was partially planted by another of Mr Cohen’s A Level classes, last year.

Mr Cohen showed how to dig appropriate holes for either small trees or spring bulbs. The students also laid significant numbers of bulbs under grass. The plan is that these bulbs will reappear every year.

We were glad to have Mr Roe visit the event, and he got involved, showing the students how to plant trees properly as well as providing advice and anecdotes.

Many of the students mentioned that they were keen to see the plants grow over the coming years. We told the Year 7 JLT members that by the time they finish their A Level courses the trees will be taller than their teachers. They were impressed by this thought!

We plan on providing updates over the coming years as to the progress of this planted area.