Oakfield School students help restore woodland at Tophill Low Nature Reserve

Students from Oakfield School in Hull have been planting oak trees to restore the woodland at Yorkshire Water’s Tophill Low Nature Reserve in East Yorkshire.

The oak trees were grown from acorns collected by Kings Mill School students several years ago. The acorns germinated and have been growing at Tophill Low for the last few years until the saplings were mature enough to be planted in the woods.

The students from Oakfield, who were mostly in year seven, had great fun and did a brilliant job for the reserve team.

Richard Hampshire, nature reserve warden at Yorkshire Water, said: “Some new trees were needed in the woodland at our reserve, as there have been a lot of trees lost to ash dieback in the last few years.

“Thanks to the students for their help with restoring our woodland.”

Oakfield school caters for children with educational needs, between the ages of 11 to 16 years, and brings its students to Tophill Low Nature Reserve at various points throughout the year to take part in volunteering.

A student said: "It's going to help the birds nearby - so it's good!". Another added that they “loved it”.

Mr Sunners, teacher at Oakfield School, said: “It was great to see the pupils engaged in a conservation task and smiles on their faces.”

Tophill Low is a nature reserve, a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and an active water treatment works, owned and run by Yorkshire Water. Tophill Low has 12 nature hides spread across a 300-acre site that flanks the river Hull. The reserve has an on-site education centre which is run by experienced staff and offers a programme of free sessions for primary and secondary schools, universities and community groups. Schools can book a session here https://www.yorkshirewater.com/education/teachers/availability-booking/