Pupils help bring new life to woodland walkway

The pupils have planted hundreds of young native trees at the Woodland Trust’s Throne Wood, at the foot of Cave Hill, during a three-day voyage of woodland discovery.

The tree planting, together with recent tree safety works and path improvements have been made possible thanks to grant-aid from the Alpha Programme, administered by Groundwork NI. With works now complete, the Trust hopes that members of the public will take a leaf out of the schoolchildren’s book and discover the beauty of this historic woodland.

Throne Wood, probably planted in the early 1800s, belonged to a house marked on the 1830 Ordnance Survey map as ‘The Throne’.

The renowned poet Sir Samuel Ferguson lived there for a time in the 1820s. Today, while unfortunately only faint vestiges of the house remain, some mature trees - including beech and lime - have managed to survive.

Today’s Throne Wood, a green oasis in an urban setting, is rich in wildlife.

Several species of bat, such as the pipistrelle, have been spotted in the wood, while springtime visitors will be treated to colourful displays of bluebell, lesser celandine and wood anemone.

Gregor Fulton of the Woodland Trust said: “We’re extremely heartened by the enthusiasm of the children from Hazelwood Integrated Primary.

“Storyteller Fra Gunn led the youngsters on a fantastic literary journey; while the chance to plant trees completed their woodland experience.

“The young trees planted will, in time to come, provide a valuable home for many species of wildlife. Meanwhile, the mature trees, some of which have been around since the 1800s, stand tall; alive with insects and birds, and offering a glimpse of what these saplings can become.”

The tree planting forms part of the Woodland Trust’s ambitious ‘Tree For All’ campaign. Supported by Northern Ireland Environment Agency, Tree For All aims to give every child the chance to plant a tree.

Throne Wood can be accessed via the Antrim Road in north Belfast. To find out more about Throne and other Woodland Trust woods visit www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/woods