OVER 400 trees were planted in Stranraer last week as part of the culmination of The Stanctuary Project.
The project is a partnership between the council and SEPA using funds from the Water Environment Fund, offering £1000 grants to plant native trees within communities.
A total of 409 trees were planted by pupils from Rephad Primary School and residents within school grounds and on the Stanctuary Project site.
The Stanctuary Project hosted Rephad pupils on Friday March 21 and then a group of volunteers the following day.
Stanctuary project officer, Nick Chisholm said: “Can I please say a huge thank you. Firstly to Rephad teachers and the children who came out on Friday.
“They were incredible planting machines, I had not expected to get so much done in such a short period of time;
“Their behaviour was outstanding and their interest and immediate understanding of the importance of this project was fantastic.
“Their questions, both during the planting and during the walk around the site showed great insight. They are a credit to the community.”
Congratulating both groups on their successful planting days, McNabb Laurie from Dumfries and Galloway Woodland added:“What a busy couple of days in Stranraer.
“While these were two different locations, the similarity was that at both sites the trees were planted by volunteers, with lots of chat and fun along the way!
“Rephad pupils actually visited the Stanctuary site on the Friday to help out and everyone was astonished by the level of industry and enthusiasm.
“Congratulations to everyone involved and I’m so glad the Dumfries and Galloway Tree Planting Grant Scheme exists to allow us to support these sorts of projects across the region.”
