Schoolchildren have swapped pens and paper for spades and wellies as they plant hundreds of trees to create a new woodland walk area.

Eastern Daily Press: Year three children at Attleborough Primary School ready to plant a few of the 500 trees around the school's perimeter. With them is Cara Fowler, the new Forest School leader. Picture: DENISE BRADLEYYear three children at Attleborough Primary School ready to plant a few of the 500 trees around the school's perimeter. With them is Cara Fowler, the new Forest School leader. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY (Image: Copyright: Archant 2018)

Pupils from Attleborough Primary School have been busy planting 500 trees on the edge of their school playing field in a bid to create a green belt around the school for future generations to enjoy.

The second planting scheme at the school in as many years, the 500 trees consisting of Rowan, Blackthorn and Witch Hazel have been donated to the school by the Woodland Trust, as part of an 'all year colour package'.

It follows a previous donation from the Woodland Trust of trees that were planted within the school's forest school.

It is hoped the new woodland will allow pupils to experience all the colours different seasons have to offer.

Eastern Daily Press: Year three children at Attleborough Primary School ready to plant a few of the 500 trees around the school's perimeter. With them is Cara Fowler, the new Forest School leader. Picture: DENISE BRADLEYYear three children at Attleborough Primary School ready to plant a few of the 500 trees around the school's perimeter. With them is Cara Fowler, the new Forest School leader. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY (Image: Copyright: Archant 2018)

Cara Fowler, Forest School leader at Attleborough Primary, said the pupils had really enjoyed getting outside and planting the trees.

'All the pupils are really excited and are all quite keen on looking after the trees and making sure that they grow,' she said.

'It will take a couple of years for the trees to blossom but the children are already talking about how they will come out here in the summer and where they will sit and enjoy the area.'

Aside from acting as a learning resource, pupils will also learn how wildlife and insects rely on and use different habitats.

The project is also a way for the school to combat the loss of green space due to development in the area, as well as replace some of the green spaces that have been lost due the school's recent expansion.

Mrs Fowler added; 'The idea is that the pupils are all going to have this wonderful green space.

'I have children that come out to the Forest School who really do love it and I think it's very valuable for them to have these outdoor experiences, it increases their self confidence.'

Nearby businesses, tree surgeons and parents at the school have also been getting involved in the project, providing wood chippings for pathways, logs for seating areas and donating their time to help with planting.