Students from Ashburton Drive Primary School joined staff from the City of Gosnells and Regenerate Australia to plant a pocket forest, at Swingler Park in Gosnells on Thursday 2 July.
Supported by Lotterywest funding, the group planted 300 native seedlings, which will establish into approximately 100m2 of native vegetation.
City of Gosnells Mayor Terresa Lynes said the park, which is adjacent to the school, was already home to a range of birds and other wildlife that would benefit from the new planting.
“This pocket forest will improve biodiversity, increase shade, help cool the surrounding area and provide a welcoming green space for students, their families and the wider community,” she said.
“I hope the students who took part in this project will be inspired to continue planting and caring for trees and other native plants throughout their lives.”
Ashburton Drive Primary School principal Heather Fallo said the project had empowered more than 300 students from Years 1 to 6 to help shape a place they can truly connect with and proudly call their own.
“By planting the pocket forest together, our students are not only creating habitat for wildlife – they are developing a genuine sense of belonging, stewardship and pride while helping to create a lasting community asset for people, wildlife and future generations," she said.
“Every student developed their own vision for the pocket forest and the Student Voice Committee then selected three outstanding designs, which were presented to the City of Gosnells to help inspire the final pocket forest design.”
Regenerate Australia program lead Stephanie Poly said the students had created an outdoor classroom where they can explore, learn and watch nature thrive, while also providing a welcoming green space for the wider community.
“Community pocket forests play an important role in tackling urban heat and biodiversity loss and, as an area identified as heat vulnerable, Gosnells is exactly where this kind of project makes a real difference,” Ms Poly said.
Subscribe to our eNewsletters