On Monday 18th September 2023, David Muir’s class of Year 7 and 8 students at Bailey Road Enviroschool, set about rejuvenating the school’s existing Native Tree Trail with 80 plants funded through the One Billion Trees programme.
Frazer Dale, senior conservation advisor from the Sustainable Schools team, held a planning session with Bailey Road students prior to planting to consider the current situation. The trail was started many years ago and was in need of some care and attention. A map of the site was created to include some new planting. Students discussed why they were planting and the associated benefits, how they could use the area as an outdoor classroom and what needed to be considered to maintain the area. Pourewa Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei nursery supplied a mix of infill native plant species; rengarenga, karamu, mahoe, māpou, kawakawa and toatoa – all suitable for this particular place.
A path was marked out in the area by the students, so they could keep this clear of plants. This will allow access for future maintenance and learning in this Native Tree Trail space.
Underplanting with mapou.
Pausing to observe worms at work.
The gloves and spades made the mahi even more enjoyable.
Barrowing in the mulch.
The students had use of the right equipment for the job, thanks to spades and gloves being funded by the Auckland Council’s Natural Environment Targeted Rate. With a long hot summer predicted, extra mulch was added by the class later in the week, to hold moisture around the roots, suppress weeds and give the seedlings the best chance of success. Maintenance is scheduled for November and December.
Ka pai rawe ngā ākonga me kaiako Dave nō Bailey Road School! We look forward to seeing how you and the children of Tāne learn and grow together in future.
Images by Fraser Dale and Dave Muir.