Planting for Future Generations at Thomsons Ford Road
On a beautiful sunny July day, students from Wairau Valley, Springlands, and Rapaura Schools joined the team from Trees for Marlborough for a native tree planting event at Thomsons Ford Road. Organised by Junior Landcare, Wairau Nature Network, and Enviroschools to celebrate Arbor Day. The day was an opportunity for students to make a meaningful contribution to the future of Marlborough’s unique environment.
Trees ready for planting
The planting site is more than just a restoration project. It is also a demonstration site for low-flammability green breaks. With Marlborough’s hot, dry summers and strong winds increasing the risk of wildfires, projects like this help landowners and restoration groups make informed decisions about the types of trees and shrubs they plant. Carefully selected native species can help slow the spread of fire while also providing habitat for wildlife and restoring biodiversity.
Before picking up their spades, tamariki learned the correct way to plant native trees, lay weed mats, and place plant guards to give the young plants the best chance of survival. It was then time to put the learning into action.
With plenty of enthusiasm and teamwork, everyone quickly got to work. Rows of trees began appearing across the site as groups worked together to prepare holes, position plants, and their guards. After a well-earned morning tea break, everyone took part in a session of “crazy yoga” to stretch out backs and knees before heading back into the field.
Springlands School write a message to their Matai tree
The afternoon saw the same energy and determination as the morning. Children and their families were keen to make the most of the day and plant as many trees as possible for the project. By the end of the planting, more than 600 native trees had found a new home in the ground.
600 hundred trees planted
Among them were 12 special Mataī trees. Students learned that these trees were not being planted for them alone, but for future generations. While they are welcome to return and watch the trees grow over the years, the real gift is for their children and grandchildren, who would be able to sit and enjoy a picnic under the towering trees.
The trees planted will continue growing long after the students have left school. They will create habitats for wildlife, help protect the landscape from wildfire, and provide enjoyment for generations to come.