CROSSFLATTS children teamed up with East Riddlesden Hall to plant 350 trees in their school grounds.

Pupils of Crossflatts Primary School welcomed staff and volunteers from the nearby manor house for the project this month.

The National Trust team had already planted 3,500 trees at East Riddlesden Hall as part of Bradford Environmental Actions Trust’s Forest of Bradford project.

When they saw a plea from the local school for help with tree planting, they were happy to step forward to offer support.

The trees were donated to the school by the Woodland Trust, and include silver birch, rowan, hazel, blackthorn, crab apple, dog rose, elder and wild cherry. These are all native UK species that encourage wildlife and create natural habitats.

Woodbank Garden Centre in Harden also donated trees to add to the project.

The school asked their children to become tree planters for the day and 350 youngsters aged between five and 11 volunteered to help.

Each pupil who planted their own tree will be able to watch it grow during their time at Crossflatts Primary.

Ranger Nick Chuck and the outdoor volunteers visited the school beforehand to prepare the ground ready for planting.

Nick also joined a school assembly to talk about the role that trees play in conservation and the environment, and the importance of looking after our local outdoor spaces.

Nick said the project, which also involved teachers, parents and community governor Leslie Gore, had been really enjoyable.

He added: “We’ve been able to help the school meet its goal of planting 350 trees, but the real fun has been seeing the children connect with nature and getting excited about helping the wildlife.

“As rangers we enjoy working in the fresh air and its rewarding to help children find a love for the outdoors too.”

Claire Thirkill, deputy head teacher at the school, said planting the trees was great fun.

She said: “It’s helped the children understand the part trees play in supporting wildlife as well as encouraging them to get their hands dirty learning practical planting skills.

“They’ve enjoyed meeting the East Riddlesden Hall team and asking lots of questions. We’re all looking forward to watching the trees grow over the years.”