The tree planting was part of a wider initiative by the school to get children involved in the upkeep, development, and maintenance of their local community

By Noah Enahoro

Children and adults stand in front of a tree — Photo: Noah Enahoro

On Saturday 13 May, local children helped plant three trees at Nine Acres Close. The children, all students of the Manor Park Politics School, took turns planting a cherry, birch, and pear tree in a bid to learn more about the environment and the benefits trees bring to their surroundings.

Organised by councillor Mariam Dawood, founder of the Politics School and representative for Manor Park, the children were involved in the digging, planting, and covering up of the newly-planted trees. Manor Park councillors Jennifer Bailey and Salim Patel were also in attendance.

“Digging the trees was my favourite part,” said Umayyah, five, who was present during the tree planting. “We wanted to see how trees were planted and how they were looked after,” said Ibrahim, nine, also a participant in the politics school.

The tree planting was part of a wider initiative by the school to get children involved in the upkeep, development, and maintenance of their local community. “This wouldn’t have happened without the children,” said Councillor Mariam Dawood. “They formed a deputation to the council and asked for more trees to be planted. It is good for them to see how their words have become actions.”

Newham’s park operations manager, Paul Smith, introduced the children to the benefits of trees and told them just how important their work is. “It’s great seeing local children getting involved in the environment,” he said. “We look forward to working with the children in the future.”

Newham has roughly 40,000 trees. Four hundred trees were planted successfully in 2022, and 900 were planted the previous year. “This is just the start,” said Councillor Dawood. “The children have lots of suggestions and we look forward to working with local groups to help them achieve them.”

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