Trees with meaning
Of the many trees that are planted in and around school grounds a number have a special significance. They may have been planted to remind us of a particular event or a person that mattered to us.
Some of the events that encouraged tree planting include:
- Queen Victoria's Jubilee
- Various coronations
- Plant a Tree Year (1973)
- The millennium
- Death of a pupil/teacher
- Opening of premises
Trees also have a story to tell that is frequently overlooked:
- where they originate from
- how a plant hunter found them
- unique and not fitting a 'key'
- qualities of their wood
- featured in a historical event
There are two very good examples of trees with meaning in Stafford. If you visit the Kingston Centre for a development activity keep an eye open for a small woodland with a large stone in it. In fact there are 69 trees - one for each year of the life of an earlier Director of Education - Thomas William Hadley.
Near to the Resources Unit you will see a Horse Chestnut. Anne Frank frequently wrote about the Horse Chestnut that she could see from her window. As such it has become associated with her life. This tree was planted when the Anne Frank exhibition was held in Staffordshire.
You will notice that there is a plaque at the base of the tree. Helpfully this reminds us of the significance of the tree. You will sometimes see small plaques, often metal, but all too often you have to rely on people's memories.
St Mary's First School, Wheaton Aston
There are 40 trees planted close to the playground at St Mary's First School. They are a feature in the landscape and designed to provide pupils with shelter and shade. Families in the area joined together, in 1992, to raise funds to commemorate the 40th anniversary of the Queen's accession to the throne. This photograph was taken in 2003!
Perton Middle School
The Middle School also planted 40 trees to commemorate the Queen's anniversary. They took a different approach and raised money to plant 40 different species. Now, in 2003, they provide a valuable teaching aid and an attractive approach to the school.
Why not take a photograph of a tree with meaning in your locality? Explain why it was planted and we will include it in this website. Just e-mail your response to derrick.golland@staffordshire.gov.uk
Last Modified:
05/01/2007 14:53:25
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