Samworth Church Academy students have planted two fruit trees in the Mansfield academy’s grounds in support of Sherwood Forest Hospital’s climate action team initiative, Hope Orchard.

The project, aimed at drawing a link between health and the environment, will see trees planted at Sherwood Forest Hospital sites of King’s Mill Hospital, Newark Hospital and Mansfield Community Hospital, as well as schools and colleges throughout the county.

Helping to plant the academy’s trees were year 13 students, including head boy Kieran Walker, who said he was pleased to be a part of the project.

“I think it is fair to say this has been a really difficult year for everyone and we wanted to do this to symbolise how hard we have worked as a community, and as a school, in what has to be one of the hardest times we have faced,” he said.

“We want to show people, that even when we are struggling, there is hope. Trees are a symbol of life, and worth fighting for and I am pleased to be part of this project.”

Millie Johnson, head girl, said: “I think this is the perfect time to do this because during the lockdowns we have been isolated and felt separate from everyone, and to have the ties between the different schools and hospitals planting the trees feels like a connection, bringing us together.”

Millie says she thinks that the students who planted the trees will take a special interest in their welfare. “In years to come, the trees will always remind us of these times, as a symbol of hope.”

Alison Pass, Sixth Form learning manager at the academy, said: “We wanted to be a part of this project as it seemed like the perfect opportunity to bring some positivity into our students lives. Covid 19 has affected everyone, and I felt it would be nice to be part of Hope Orchard, and to be forever grateful for the staff working in the NHS.

“Our head boy and girl, Kieran and Millie, asked for the trees to be planted at the front of the academy so that they are seen by everyone as they enter the school, as a reminder that after the dark days of winter, life blossoms again.”

Dr Helena Clements, consultant paediatrician and climate change clinician at Sherwood Forest Hospitals, added: “The Covid-19 pandemic has impacted on all communities, and as we start to emerge from the crisis we need to look forward to a healthy greener future for our communities.  It is fantastic that so many of our partner organisations have taken on the challenge to get involved with planting trees on their sites.”

The principal of Samworth Church Academy is Lisa McVeigh, who said Samworth Church Academy was pleased to play its part.

“During the past year, our staff and students and the wider community have faced the challenges of the pandemic with resilience, kindness and positivity,” she said.

“As an academy, we are well aware of the emotional and physical toll this has taken on the whole country. So, the symbolic planting of a tree, and the hope of future growth and life, directly reflects our ethos and values and is a message we wholeheartedly support.

“We hope the trees will stand as a reminder of the sacrifices made by individuals, by front line workers, and the outstanding response by NHS staff during the pandemic.”

Pictured, back row, left to right, are head girl Millie Johnson, Year 13 students Alysha Bowles, Lily-Rose Stafford, Grace O’Neill, Lily Ridge, head boy Kieran Walker, and Year 13 students Alpha Bah and Ben Blythe.