At the end of last term, 16 enthusiastic pupils from Years 7–12 rolled up their sleeves and joined Professor Ali Driver – a local ecologist, conservationist and rewilding expert – to plant trees on Sonning Field. This area, just over the road from the school gates, was purchased by Blue Coat in 2006 and has since become the focus of a number of outdoor projects, including hedge planting, tree planting and general maintenance.

The school’s new Eco-Committee has chosen biodiversity as one of its focuses this year, and was delighted to have the chance to plant more trees along one of the hedgerows. They managed to plant over 160 saplings, including hazel, silver birch, rowan and hawthorn.

The students showed brilliant teamwork, and many commented on what a rewarding way it was to spend their lunch break – made even better by the sunshine and dry weather. A huge thank you to Prof Ali Driver for guiding the session. We’re already looking forward to the next project! You can read more about Ali’s Ponds Nature Reserve here.

Mr Loughe, French and German / Head of Year 13 / Environment and Sustainability Lead