Primary 5 pupils from Our Lady & St. Francis Primary School in Carfin helped launch a brand new woodland at Ravenscraig planted by Sustainable Woodland Company.

The enthusiastic pupils were invited to explore the new 13-acre woodland area and participate in hands-on activities to support a major new planting project. The children spent the morning gathering oak tree acorns and learning about the importance of existing biodiversity, as well as establishing new plants for bee colonies to support local pollinator populations.

Ravenscraig is one of Europe’s largest brownfield regeneration and community creation initiatives. Its vision is for a self-sufficient community, with high-quality housing, transport links, education and employment opportunities, all surrounded by beautiful green space and ancient woodland.

As part of this, Ravenscraig Limited is committed to maintaining biodiversity across the site and within the Ancient Woodland, which includes newt ponds, butterfly mounds and plover fields for nesting birds. The latest in this commitment is the partnership with Sustainable Woodland Company for a new 13-acre woodland.

Scott McDermott, Sustainable Woodland Company Director, said: “It was fantastic to have the pupils from Our Lady & St. Francis out on site with us. This 13-acre project is a significant step in enhancing Scotland’s green infrastructure, we are delighted to involve local children to experience hands-on learning about species like the oak tree and the importance of pollinator colonies. It all makes this work deeply meaningful.”

Russell Wilkie, Director at Ravenscraig Limited, said: “Our commitment to green space and biodiversity is an integral part of the wider Ravenscraig vision. It was great to continue our engagement with the local community as part of this latest project and invite the primary 5 pupils out of the classroom to learn more about nature on their doorstep.”