IT was a morning of growth as pupils of Jones Memorial Primary School and Holy Trinity Primary School joined forces to plant new trees to help replace a number of mature trees that were lost through ash dieback.

Organised by the Rotary Club of Enniskillen and facilitated by the National Trust, six P7 pupils from each school partnered up for the tree-planting ceremony which took place in a woodland area of Castle Coole on Tuesday, September 26.

Using shovels and all their strength, the pupils demonstrated infectious enthusiasm as they helped to plant the trees.

“I enjoy planting loads of trees,” said Holy Trinity PS pupil Arwin Jery-Ajesh brightly, explaining that he has previously planted trees in India.

Lorcan Doherty, a Jones Memorial PS pupil, who was tree-planting partners with Arwin, said he was enjoying spending time in nature “just to see all the different plants and different insects”.

Talking about the importance of replacing trees, Arwin said: “We could get fresh air from the trees.”

Laura Dolan, a fellow Holy Trinity PS pupil, added: “If we don’t have any trees, nearly all of the people are going to die and if you plant more, it’s better for nature.”

Partners Joshua Wadsworth, from Jones Memorial PS, and Conor O’Donnell, from Holy Trinity PS, explained why they believe trees are essential.

“It gives homes for birds and trees help provide oxygen for us,” said Joshua.

Conor added: “It makes homes for lots of creatures, woodlice and birds. And also, it may even save the planet.

“Every tree counts.”

For Jayden Chisina, a pupil at Holy Trinity PS, the tree-planting ceremony was his first visit to Castle Coole. He said that he hopes to go back to see the progress of the tree that he and his partner Jones Memorial PS pupil Henry McLece planted.

In attendance and directing proceedings were the new District Governor for Rotary Ireland Kenny Fisher along with President of the Rotary Club of Enniskillen Ken Rainey and fellow Enniskillen Rotarians Hugh Mills, Henry Robinson and Heather Ellis.

Mr. Fisher commented that Rotary were “pleased” to be involved in environmental issues such as this, saying: “The promotion of tree planting as a means to sustainability is crucial to a positive impact for all.”

He noted that they were particularly thankful to one Rotarian, whose generous donation had made this venture possible.

A benefit of taking part in this scheme was the simple cross-community element. Mr. Fisher expressed his delight at the involvement of the schools and for the support of principals and teaching staff.

The National Trust was represented by Dave Tyson, the Area Ranger for Castle Coole, who said he was “delighted” to renew partnerships with the schools and Rotary in the promotion of environmental issues, with a view to highlighting these for the general public.

Representing Jones Memorial Primary School, Principal Sandra Isherwood noted her delight at this opportunity.

“Jones Memorial Primary School have just been awarded their official Forest School status by the Northern Ireland Forest Association, and we are delighted to be involved in planting these trees as part of a sustainable project. The theme fits very well with our belief in ‘learning without walls’.

“Thank you to Rotary and the National Trust.”

Brian Treacy, Principal of Holy Trinity Primary School, was just as pleased. He said: “We have a long-standing relationship with Jones Memorial and the Rotary Club. Today has been a marvellous way to celebrate the outdoors and to work together for the good of all.

“We look forward to watching these trees take root and grow in the years ahead.

“We extend our thanks to Rotary and the National Trust.”

The pupils enjoyed their hour away from the books too! Pupils from both schools enjoyed a snack and an opportunity to catch up during the ceremony.

More than 200 delegates from all over the island of Ireland are expected to attend Rotary Club’s annual conference at the Killyhevlin Hotel in Enniskillen from tomorrow until Sunday, October 1.