Children plant the seed of remembrance with trees

Year 6 pupils from Longwick Church of England Combined School planting trees at the Aylesbury Burial Meadow

A group of 10 green-fingered youngsters planted 15 trees as part of a project to mark 100 years since the start of the First World War.

The Year 6 pupils from Longwick C of E Combined School planted the saplings at the Aylesbury Vale Burial Meadow in Stockwell Lane, Little Meadle in the session organised by Longwick cum Ilmer Parish Council.

The children planted a variety of species including oak, beech and maple in the meadow, where people can choose to be laid to rest instead of being cremated or buried in a churchyard.

Parish councillor Sally Whitworth, whose family owns the meadow, said: “We think it’s another way of remembering.

“The children were a real credit to their school.

“They all mucked in and we explained that the trees will likely be there much longer than them or any of us.

“We told them that they will be able to come and see the trees any time they like.

“When I was a child, there was the Plant A Tree In ‘73 campaign and it’s not an opportunity you get every day.

“We’re hoping to have the Year 3 and 4 children back in the spring to plant some wild flower seeds.”

Longwick Combined School headteacher Trudy Cotchin said: “We were incredibly honoured to be invited by the parish council to be involved in this exciting community project.