Pupils from Connah’s Quay High School with tree surgeon John Joinson
School pupils have taken their lessons outdoors to get to know more about the local countryside with a trip to Red Pit Wood. Children from Connah’s Quay High School joined Flintshire Coastal Rangers at the community woodland in Flint owned by Kimberley Clark.
Karen Rippin, Coastal Ranger said:
“Maintenance work is carried out to ensure that the woods stay healthy and can be enjoyed by the local community. So when the need arose to bring in an expert who climbs trees and chainsaws in the tree canopy, we felt it was a great opportunity to involve one of the schools in our woodland work. Woodlands provide homes for birds, insects and other animals and undertaking activities in the woods helps children understand the importance of maintaining a balance between nature, wildlife and ourselves.”
John Joinson an arbourist from Chester Oaks, a local tree surgery company, explained to the pupils why several of the trees required tree surgery, the need to wear the correct protective clothing and, above all, why the work had to be performed in a controlled and safe manner.
John Joinson said:
“Working in woodlands helps children to build confidence and self-esteem, and it was a pleasure demonstrating our skills to the pupils.”
Councillor Bernie Attridge, Cabinet Member for the Environment said:
“I am delighted to see such resources being used by our schools. It is important for schoolchildren to learn about the environment and the area they live in. The rangers and the partners they work with have so much to offer teaching children about the countryside.”
The work currently being carried out at Red Pit Wood is part of a rolling programme of maintenance activities undertaken by Flintshire Countryside Services, as part of their partnership with Kimberley Clark Flint.
