Community orchard planted by schoolchildren vandalised

Supporters of Save Roughfields were recently devasted to find their newly planted community orchard has been vandalised. 

The community initiative was a collaboration with the ‘Tree Ambassadors’ from St Andrew’s School and the Tree Council - a national charity whose mission is to care for trees and the planet. 

Back in March, as part of their ‘Young Tree Champions’ project, the Year five and six pupils used some of the fruit trees donated by the Tree Council in a bid to support the local community and help green-up the space. They planted cherry, pear, apple and plum trees. 

Halina Bloggins, founder of the Save Roughfields campaign told us, “Up until this, the saplings were thriving in their new spot on the edge of Roughfields. We had a small group of volunteers who worked out a rota system to keep the little trees watered. They had done such a good job, and you could see how the trees were thriving. 

“You can understand then, how devastated we were to find that someone had deliberately snapped the main trunks and broken off branches. 

“We hope that nature will find a way to help the trees recover and we will be seeking advice from tree experts on how best to protect the saplings from further damage. The community has been very involved with this project, and we thank everyone for their support.” 

Claire Thompson, Forest School and Eco Lead at St Andrew’s, who was the driving force behind the orchard, was dismayed, telling us: “I was really saddened to hear about the little orchard trees at Roughfields being destroyed; even more so having to let the children know.   

“Our ambassadors work hard supporting our local area with projects which enhance wildlife and the community, and we have had so much local support helping to look after the trees. I live in hope that the perpetrators one day will reflect on their pointless actions and perhaps instead help in the community in which they live rather than bring negative actions. 

“We as a school will carry on our amazing work with our Ambassadors to support change in attitudes to make an impact on the next generation.” 

We also spoke to two of the young Tree Ambassadors. Rosie said, “I was upset when I found out that the trees had been vandalised, because we spent our time planting them and now our effort has gone to waste due to someone’s reckless behaviour.” 

Eloise added: “I’m devastated that the trees have been vandalised as it took time and effort to plant them all. I was looking forward to seeing the trees when they've grown tall, but now they might not survive.” 

Councillor Ollie Cross who was at the tree planting told us, “I’m sorry to hear this news. It’s absolutely heartbreaking, especially knowing that the trees were planted by the Tree Ambassadors from St. Andrew’s Junior School. Their efforts were a wonderful example of young people making a positive difference in our community and it’s horrible to see their work mindlessly vandalised.” 

The Save Roughfields AGM is taking place at 7pm on Tuesday July 15, at the Community Room in Hadfield Hall on Station Road. All are welcome to come along and find out how the campaign is progressing. 

Photo: St Andrew's Tree Ambassadors with teacher Claire Thompson and Sarah Scriven from the Tree Council.