West Earlham Junior School's eco club planting trees in the school grounds. Photo: Bill Smith

Schoolchildren planted more than 100 trees yesterday to give Norwich a new woodland.

Members of the eco club at West Earlham Junior School planted 112 trees in the school’s grounds which are to be used as an outside classroom.

Youngsters made a grove for their new classroom in the woodland and said they were looking forward to visiting the school in the future when the trees had grown.

Ryan Withers, 11, said: “The trees give us oxygen so its great we are planting more.

“As I live opposite I will be able to watch them grow.”

Lauren Drane, nine, said: “It gives us a great opportunity to have our very own wildlife bit, and gives a place for parents to come out and help.”

The children will now have a competition to name the woodland.

They planted a circle of trees around a glade made up of wild cherry, beech and birch trees.

Karen Withers, the teaching assistant who runs the school’s eco club, said: “It will take a while but the children will be able to see the trees grow and one day learn in the forest.”

Green Party councillor Lucy Galvin who helped with the project said: “It’s wonderful to see new trees being planted by young people who will be able to see them grow, and enjoy watching the blossom, birds, insects and squirrels.”

The trees were supplied by a government-backed project.

To apply for trees from the scheme visit www.defra.gov.uk/bigtreeplant