GREEN fingered students are planning a wood for the future. Pupils at Stratton Upper School, Biggleswade, began planting tree seeds last week for the project sponsored by the Woodland Trust. The school was chosen by the trust which recently launched its T

GREEN fingered students are planning a wood for the future.

Pupils at Stratton Upper School, Biggleswade, began planting tree seeds last week for the project sponsored by the Woodland Trust.

The school was chosen by the trust which recently launched its Trees for All campaign in an attempt to inspire young people to become more interested in nature and to restore the countryside by planting trees and hedges.

On Friday two pupils began planting the seeds in the school's greenhouse to get the project started.

Sabrina Butler, 17, and Kevin Noonoosawmy, 18, sowed the birch seeds and stated that even after leaving school they would monitor the seedlings' progress.

Once the seedlings are strong enough they will be planted in an area of the school's four-acre farm where pupils hope to generate a small copse.

Hedges will also be planted around the farm where pupils learn about horticulture and agriculture.

Cattle, pigs and chickens are kept and bred on the farm with meat being sold in the farm shop and the proceeds used to keep the farm section of the school funded.

"It is very important to encourage students to learn about the countryside and what trees mean to the environment," said Imogene Ash, head of the school's department of agriculture.

"Our trees are the lungs of our planet giving us fresh air, and we must encourage children to restore woodland whenever we can.

"This project by the Woodland Trust will give pupils here the chance to create something they can not only be proud of but be something that will be long lasting and beneficial not just to the school but the environment."

Sabrina, who lives in Sandy, said: "This project helps put back the woodland that has been lost and is a great idea."

Kevin, who also lives in the town, said: "The seeds we are planting now will reflect what the school has been doing for the countryside for years to come."

Stratton Upper School will be holding an open day on Sunday, May 13, between 10am and 4pm when the public will have the chance to look around the farm and see what the school's students do.