Gracehill eco warriors keep up royal connection

The Eco Warriors group have been busy planting young trees within the school grounds including some very special ones which have a Royal link.

“We have held our Eco Schools status for many years,” said Mrs Joanne Rowe the teacher in charge of the group, “And were really pleased to be asked to assist with the planting of two commemorative trees in the school grounds.”

The children helped Lady Moyra Campbell re-plant a cotoneaster which the Prince of Wales had originally planted in the village during his last visit to Gracehill.

Dr David Johnston Chair of Governors said:

“This very special tree needed a new home to allow the village to develop their ambitious plans for the village square, and the school seems like the perfect place as the children enjoyed the royal visitors so much when they were here.”

The children also helped Mrs Margaret Gunn-King plant a decorative crab apple tree to mark her late husband’s contribution to conservation within the village. Brian Gunn King was a former Principal Planning officer based at County Hall and had a passionate interest in nature and in the preservation of our historic built landscape.

“We take our environmental work very seriously and we have also started work on a new coppice area which will also have a royal tree,” said Mr Lexie Scott, Principal.

As part of this coppice which has been provided by the Woodland Trust the children have planted a young oak sapling which was grown from an acorn gathered on one of the Royal Estates.

Mr Scott added: “In the Coronation Jubilee year we are delighted to be marking this special occasion in a way which will, we hope, have a lasting impact over the next 60 years.”