PORT ELLEN AND JURA SCHOOLS IN RECORD-BREAKING ATTEMPT

Schools and Community Groups across Argyll and Bute are joining in a mass tree planting day which is happening across the UK at the weekend.

The ‘Tree O’Clock’ event, organised as part of the BBC’s Breathing Places campaign, will aim to break the Guiness World Record for the most trees planted in one hour.

The event, which coincides with National Tree Week, will take place between 11-12am on Saturday, December 5th.

People living in the Helensburgh area are being urged to join a tree planting party at the town’s Duchess Woods from 10am that day.

Anyone interested in planting an oak or hawthorn tree in the woods should meet 200m north of the car park at Kathleen Park Entrance from 10am.

Children must be accompanied by a responsible adult, and participants should take their own refreshments.

Among the schools across the UK who will be playing their part in the record attempt are 25 from Argyll and Bute.

Councillor Robert Macintyre, spokesperson for Economy, Environment and Rural Affairs, urged more people to get involved.

“People plant trees for all sorts of different reasons, but not usually to help try to break a world record!” he said.

“Whatever the reason, planting trees is a good thing. They support and sustain biodiversity, attract animals and birds and soak up harmful carbon dioxide emissions.

“I would urge anyone who can plant a tree to do so between 11 and 12am on Saturday 5th December and play their part in this record attempt.”

So far, organisers have secured pledges from schools, community groups and other organisations to plant nearly 265,000 trees across 67 council areas. To be successful, over one million trees will need to be planted in the one-hour slot.

‘Tree O'Clock’ aims to harness the potential of trees as beautiful focal points, a source of much-needed natural habitats, and a way to help reduce the levels of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere.

Argyll and Bute Council, in association with Lower Clyde Greenspace, is giving away 550 free Rowan, Crab Apple and Hawthorn trees to the local schools and community groups who have already registered.

The authority is also encouraging people to plant any other trees or shrubs on the day to boost the total. Anyone interested in participating should register at the Tree O’Clock website at http://www.bbc.co.uk/breathingplaces/treeoclock/.

Tree planting guidance is also available on the website.

The Argyll and Bute schools taking part are Achaleven Primary, Ardchattan Primary, Arrochar Primary, Bunessan Primary, Cardross Primary, Castlehill Primary, Drumlemble Primary, Dunoon Primary, Innellan Primary, Inveraray Primary, Iona Primary, Kilninver Primary, Lochdonhead Primary, Lochgilphead Joint Campus, Lochnell Primary, Lochgoilhead Primary, Port Ellen Primary, Rhu Primary, Rockfield Primary, Rhunahaorine Primary, Rothesay Primary, Small Isles Primary, St Joseph’s Primary, Taynuilt Primary and Tayvallich Primary.

The contact for Friends of Duchess Woods is Rachel Bailey

Email: fodw84@fodw.org.uk

Tel: 01436 671359



For more information on the event, go to http://www.bbc.co.uk/breathingplaces/treeoclock/