CHILDREN put down roots for their future at a tree planting in Dorchester.

Year 5 pupils at Dorchester Middle School planted 18 trees as part of the national Jubilee Woods campaign, and learnt about the sustainability of woodland at a talk by a timber expert.

Head of year Fiona Ray said the youngsters ‘really enjoyed the event’.

She said: “It’s nice that this year group got to plant the trees because they have only been at the school a few weeks and they’ve already made a contribution.

“We have planted them along the railings on the field, and as there’s very little shade there at the moment, this is something they will provide when they grow.”

She added: “The children are aged nine and 10 at the moment, and the trees are something they will hopefully be able to bring their great-grandchildren to see.”

The Jubilee Woods project is run by the Woodland Trust and hopes to see six million trees planted all over the country in honour of the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee.

The planting also marked the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) Friday campaign, which aims to promote responsible forestry.

Dorset-based builders merchants Buildrite Trade and DIY supplies LTD, who are hoping to achieve FSC accreditation, presented the trees to the school on behalf of SCA Timber.

Jason House, from Buildrite, said: “More and more, people are looking for products that come wholly from a registered source, which is sustainable.

“Mike Lewis from SCA and I gave a presentation about where wood comes from, and why we plant three trees for each one that is cut down.

“I think it’s really important that the next generation learns about that.”

Mrs Ray added: “The presentation was really good and a lot of it supports what they are learning about in science lessons this year.

“This generation of children are so different to the children I was teaching 10 years ago. They know about recycling, sustainability and renewable sources, and they want to make sure our planet is safe and in good hands.”

For more information about Jubilee Woods, visit www.woodlandtrust. org.uk/en/jubilee-woods