On Thursday 6 February 2020, our Year 10 Horticulture class joined pupils from two fellow  Corinium Education Trust schools - Kemble and Siddington C of E Primary - in Cirencester Park. At the invitation of Lord and Lady Bathurst, pupils were there to plant saplings in their schools’ names along Broad Avenue, as a part of The Bathurst Estate’s restoration project.

They were all welcomed by Lord and Lady Bathurst who explained the background to the restoration project and explained why the Small-Leaved Lime (Tilia cordata) trees, an indigenous British species, had been chosen to replace the iconic ancient Horse Chestnut trees that were felled last summer. Pupils also met Lord Apsley and The Bathurst Estate’s Head of Forestry, Keith Mills. They learnt about the simple irrigation systems set up to give the saplings the best start.

It was a real privilege to be invited to take part in the tree planting. We all appreciated the experience and I am sure the pupils will watch with interest as their young trees grow.

Chiquita Henson, Headteacher

Pupils from Kemble and Siddington C of E Primary Schools were first to plant their trees. Deer Park pupils then planted two trees, one for Deer Park and one in the name of Chesterton Primary School who were unable to join the group.

Mrs Mackew, who currently teaches Horticulture to Key Stage 4 pupils, and was herself a pupil at both Chesterton Primary School and Deer Park, joined three former pupils from Chesterton in the planting of one of the trees. ‘It was a wonderful opportunity for my Horticulture class to represent the school within the local community. It was also fantastic to be part of Cirencester's history, leaving a legacy for our children and our children's children. Encouraging younger generations to be more responsible and more environmentally aware is essential and community projects like this one really instils the importance of this.’

‘It was an interesting and new experience. It was lovely to be involved in helping the local community.’ Kelsie (Year 10)

‘A fun opportunity to make our mark in the Town's history.’ James (Year 10)