Ardingly Wild
Planting the Future
A rewilding project takes root at Ardingly…
Initially inspired and funded by Old Ardinians Stephen Bowen (1964) and Jeremy Collingridge (1964), Nature Watch is a popular part of the College’s Enrichment Programme. This weekly club gives pupils a hands-on opportunity to explore and study the natural world.
Nature Watch pupils put forward a bold proposal to extend the project dramatically – they wanted an area of the College estate where they could put rewilding into practice by planning and planting a new wood. The proposal met with enthusiasm and, working with the College Estates team, a site has been identified – just over four acres in fact, bordering the ancient Kiln Wood.
Nature Watch pupils are now busy turning this idea into reality. The first trees – 420 saplings donated by the Woodland Trust – have been carefully planted by Upper Sixth pupils in December [link to news article]. There is much more planting to come, as pupils return this site to a more natural state, with trees to absorb carbon dioxide and provide food and habitats for animals.
“The best time to plant a tree was 10 years ago. The second best time is now.” Confucius
Planting a tree is a gift to the future and the Ardingly treescape has been enriched by so many of these ‘green gifts’ – often planted in memory of loved ones, cherished friends and inspirational teachers – over the course of its history. This new wood offers an opportunity for the Ardingly community of today to come together and create a living legacy.
Every tree plays a positive part in the collective fight against climate change. Your donation today will help our pupils plant the future – together we can make a difference.
If you would like to discuss a donation in memory, please get in touch with Elinor Wood on development@ardingly.com or by phone at +44 (0) 1444 893199.
Go Wild!
Together, we can make a difference. Together, we can plant the future.
If you would like to read more about this exciting project, it is featured in the Ardinian 2022 which can be read HERE.