Sound School Pupils Help Lerwick Port Authority Project Take Root

Pupils from Sound Primary School joined representatives from Lerwick Port Authority, Shetland Amenity Trust and L&M Engineering (UK) Ltd at Gremista on Thursday (25 June) to plant a new area of native trees adjacent to L&M Engineering's premises.

The project forms part of Lerwick Port Authority's ongoing programme of environmental improvement, creating resilient green spaces that will benefit both wildlife and the wider area for years to come.

This year's planting was supported by Shetland Amenity Trust, which selected and supplied a range of native tree species suited to local conditions. A total of 282 trees, including downy birch, hazel, eared willow, dog rose, and common alder, which no longer grows on Shetland, were planted. The mix includes species traditionally found growing wild in Shetland, helping to create valuable habitats for birds, insects and other wildlife while contributing to the growing network of urban woodland around Lerwick.

Stuart WadleyHSEQ & Projects Manager at Lerwick Port Authority

This project has become an important part of our environmental programme and demonstrates how partnership working can deliver practical, long-term benefits for both people and nature.

Over the past eight years, we have annually committed to rewilding different parts of the port estate, and it is particularly rewarding to involve local young people in that work. The trees planted today reflect a shared commitment between local organisations to enhance Shetland's natural environment through practical action and long-term collaboration.

The initiative is one that Shetland Amenity Trust has supported over a number of years, helping to increase tree cover around Lerwick while encouraging young people to engage with conservation and the natural environment.

Paul GoddardWoodlands Team Manager at Shetland Amenity Trust

It has become an annual event that we really look forward to, watching the bairns digging in the soil and planting their own tree, never fails to make everyone involved smile and has become one of the highlights of our year. We hope this instils a love and appreciation of trees and wildlife and some of them may find careers in conservation or just enjoy helping out in their spare time.

At the Shetland Amenity Trust, we grow tens of thousands of trees every year, for conservation projects around the Isles. What is especially exciting for us is seeing the number of small urban woodlands growing up around the town. The Lerwick Port Authority has greatly helped with this over the years, adding to the mosaic of tree cover and all the benefits that brings to people and wildlife alike.

The Sound School pupils involved shared their thoughts on the tree planting:

"In the future, when we walk by, we will know that we planted those trees."

"Planting more trees takes in CO₂ and helps our planet have clean air."

“It was fun planting the trees and I am looking forward to doing it again.”

Margaret BirrellDepute Head Teacher from Sound Primary School

The pupils thoroughly enjoy the opportunity to plant trees as part of their outdoor learning. It is a great way to learn about the importance of conservation, and they are proud to know that they have directly been involved in helping to protect the environment. They are very proud that those trees will still be there in years to come.

Steven LaurensonDirector of L&M Engineering

L&M Engineering is pleased to support this year's tree planting initiative at Gremista. Environmental improvements are often achieved through many small actions rather than a single large project and supporting local initiatives such as this allows businesses like ours to play a practical role in enhancing biodiversity while strengthening community partnerships.

We are proud to be involved and look forward to seeing the long-term benefits these trees will bring to the area.