Pupils from Down High School, Blackwater Integrated College and St Patrick’s Grammar School Downpatrick along with the Quoile branch of the Women’s Institute planted 500 trees in Dunleath Playing Fields on Friday 25 March.
The tree planting event originated from Down High School, the winners of Council’s Local Democracy ‘Dragon’s Den’ style debate which took place in October. The ‘Notice of Motion’ was debated by six schools on the theme of ‘Protecting the environment, local communities take action.’ The students put forward their ideas on organising an Eco-Fun Day and a tree planting event for the local community to promote and demonstrate the Council’s commitment to tackling Climate Change.
Members of the Quoile Women’s Institute were invited to assist local pupils to plant 500 trees in Dunleath Playing Field in recognition of the Women’s Institute ‘Plant a Tree for our Future’ Climate Change Initiative.
Newry, Mourne and Down District Council Chairperson, Cathy Mason, said “I am delighted that we have been able to fulfil the Notice of Motion ‘Protecting the environment, local communities take action’, debated by Down High School during Council’s celebrations of Local Democracy Week. The pupils from Down High School Eco Group understand that it is their generation’s duty to continue to tackle climate change.”
Cllr Mason continued, “The Council understands the importance of trees and their role in keeping us and our environment healthy and we are delighted to support the pupils by planting 500 trees here at Dunleath Park today.”
