The transformation of High Clarence Primary School’s new playing field has taken another major step forward, thanks to a tree and hedgerow planting initiative supported by Trees on Tees Community Forest, Wilton Engineering, and Scott Bros.
The latest phase of the project saw more than 24 trees and 800 hedging plants planted on the once-derelict land, which had been plagued by fly-tipping before being reclaimed for school and community use.
The tree planting was made possible through Trees on Tees Community Forest, funded by DEFRA’s Trees for Climate Fund, and delivered in partnership with The Conservation Volunteers. The initiative is part of a broader effort to increase green spaces and biodiversity across the region.
Pupils from every year group rolled up their sleeves to help plant fruit trees, working alongside volunteers from Trees on Tees Community Forest and The Conservation Volunteers.
This follows the significant efforts of Wilton Engineering and Scott Bros., whose contributions last year helped clear and level the land, providing a safe and much-needed green space for pupils to enjoy. Now, High Clarence Primary School is looking to build on this progress and is encouraging other local businesses to lend their support in making the field a fully developed recreational area.
With the field now taking shape, the school is seeking further business support to help realise its full potential. Plans include creating a track or pathway for bikes and scooters, adding wood chippings around the edges to keep the grass at bay, and fulfilling the children’s biggest wishes, to create a large sand pit and install a wooden climbing structure with a slide.
Nicola Caraher, Head Teacher at High Clarence Primary School, said:
“It’s fantastic to see the children so involved in planting the trees and hedgerows, it’s their field, and they are helping to shape its future.
“Thanks to the generosity of Wilton Engineering and Scott Bros., we now have a beautiful green space that we could only have dreamed of a year ago. But we still have big aspirations for this field, and we’d love more businesses to come on board and help us provide a track, play equipment, and other features that will make this an even greater asset for the school and community.”
Bill Scott OBE DL, Chief Executive of Wilton Engineering, added: “This project is about more than just creating a playing field, it’s about investing in the future of our young people, giving them a place to run free, dream, act out their superheroes and feel valued. The transformation so far has been incredible, and we hope more businesses step forward to help the school create a fantastic fun area that will benefit pupils and the wider community for years to come.”
Peter Scott, Director at Scott Bros., said: “Seeing this once-derelict land turned into a space for children to enjoy is hugely rewarding. The tree planting is another important step, and we fully support the school’s call for more local businesses to get involved.
“There’s still so much potential here, which we will continue to help bring forward and have committed to providing more topsoil to further level the field and sand to support drainage. With more support like this, it can become a fantastic long-term resource for the school and local families.”