MORE than 60 parents and children from King Charles School flocked to Tregoniggie Woodland on Valentine’s Day to show their love for nature. 

A hundred young native deciduous trees, donated by Western Power Distribution and grown in Cornwall by the Silvanus Trust, were planted. 

They included oak, birch, beech, hornbeam, rowan, crab apple, dogwood – all species which provide food and shelter for many forms of wildlife, as well as enhancing the attractiveness of the area. 

Euan McPhee, chair of the Friends of Tregoniggie Woodland, said: “It was fantastic to see the children and their parents all mucking in to get the trees planted. 

“From now on, these children will be looking out for their trees when they walk through the woodland.”
As well as planting trees, the children had the opportunity to dip their pond nets in Bickland Stream that flows through the woodland to see what mini-beasts make their home there."

Despite the problems of contaminated surface water entering the stream, the children were able to see freshwater shrimps, mayfly larvae and leeches, proving that the stream is an important habitat for wildlife. 

Over a dozen bird boxes were constructed by the children and safely installed on various trees around the woodland, providing yet more opportunities for nesting birds. 

Whilst all this was going on, everyone was encouraged to record, on a blackboard, species of wildlife they observed. 

However, it wasn’t all work and no play – there was plenty of time to roast marshmallows, cook dough on sticks over a campfire and enjoy a mug of hot chocolate.

Friends Committee Member and King Charles School parent, Kevin Osborne, said: “The parents and children were all so keen and wanted more. 

“It was a great success. We hope there will be more activities like this throughout the year to get local people of all ages involved in Tregoniggie Woodland’s maintenance and future. The day’s activities also showed how much fun it can be.”