Planting project a winner for primary students

BELLBRAE Primary School students got their hands dirty to help their local environment for a tree planting excursion at the Spring Creek Ridge.

Grade 5 students joined parents, Torquay Landcare members. Surf Coast Shire representatives and Surf Coast Energy Group’s (SCEG) Graeme Stockton last week to revegetate parts of the Jan Juc ridgeline and Spring Creek Valley.

The project has financial support from Patagonia ($12,000) and Surf Coast Shire ($5,000) following a joint application from the school and SCEG to “ensure conservation of the biodiversity in an important ecological corridor on the Spring Creek ridgeline”.

The school is confident that restoring the landscape at a path that links Jan Juc and Bellbrae would create a better, safer and more fun experience for students riding to school and encourage more children to hit the pedals each day.

Bellbrae Primary School teacher Lachlan Hurrell said participants enjoyed perfect weather last week for the planting day.

“It was a stunning spring day and the enthusiasm of everyone involved was a true joy to be a part of,” he said.

“The chatter of the kids and volunteers as they busily planted over 300 plants was wonderful to hear as they joined the sounds of insects, frogs and singing birds.”