KGS students sowing the seeds of climate change

A group of Kirkwall Grammar School “climate champions” are hoping to disprove the myth that trees don’t grow in Orkney!

Since COP26 and thanks to Scottish Government funding, KGS climate ambassadors have been bringing their environmental plans to life.

After getting the backing of the Council, it was proposed that a small woodland be created within the school boundary – initially the plan was to plant 70 trees - in celebration of the Platinum Jubilee of HM the Queen.

However, this has further grown and, so far, 140 trees have been planted, along with around 800 snowdrop bulbs, primroses and ferns.

KGS Teacher of Religious, Moral and Philosophical Studies, Theo Ogbhemhe, and David Kent, a local tree planting specialist, have been guiding the students.

Theo said: “How we can personally contribute to reversing or, at the very least, alleviating the trend of global warming has been discussed by the Climate Action Group at KGS.

“The planting of trees, which absorb Co2 from the atmosphere, and creating of new woodlands is a widely accepted way forward. I proposed a tree-planting initiative at the school, in the form of a ‘hands on’ involvement with pupils from five 4^th year classes.

“Earlier this year the initiative opened with a visit to KGS by David Kent, who spoke to classes about developing a credible woodland and how it was not simply a matter of planting trees. A natural ground flora that typically associates with woodland has to be gradually introduced, also ‘furnishings’ such as dead wood and possibly a token water feature.

“Willow cuttings, proven to grow well in Orkney, were placed in water to produce roots. They were then potted up in cardboard tubes, soon sprouting vigorous shoots, and finally planted out in a designated area along the western school boundary.

“Sixty trees of deciduous species were then purchased from a tree nursery (oak, alder, birch whitebeam, elm and crab apple) and planted out. The students have done most of the work themselves and engaged enthusiastically.”

Members of the Climate Action Group added: “As a group, we are convinced that we can only achieve sustainable answers/solutions if we unite to demand tougher targets on climate from every one of us, not just our leaders.  

“We hope that our desire to create the change we are seeking would spur Orcadians into action, and a ripple of positive change echoed out across the country, touching everything from the biggest companies to the smallest communities.  

“We want an island, a nation, and a world where everyone is contributing to help battle climate change; be they the government, leaders of industry, activists, or community organisers.  

“We have been researching climate change and ‍it is clear that the time to act is now. We hope through youth activism, to think up solutions and technological innovation to help in that transition into greener and more sustainable practices and ways of living.

“We are inspired and hopeful for the fight ahead.”

Climate Ambassadors @ KGS are: 

Sophie Rendall 

Erlend Bailey 

George Tait 

Liam Donaldson 

Thorfinn Kitney 

Anja Silgoner 

Fraser Stout 

Violet McEwan