Commonweal School celebrates 100 years by putting down more roots

Supported by Swindon Borough Council, the Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs' (DEFRA) Trees for Climate scheme, the Great Western Community Forest and Wiltshire Wildlife Trust, students at the school are planting a variety of trees, including Ginko, Monkey Puzzle, Silver birch and Tulip trees, to showcase the variation in trees and to trace how trees have evolved over the years.

Fruit trees, including apple, cherry and plum, will also be planted in a dedicated orchard space for the school.

The project, which will include 150 trees in total, was developed to celebrate the school’s 100th anniversary and create a lasting legacy for future generations. At its heart is a science-based tree trail that will serve as an educational resource while enhancing biodiversity and climate resilience.

Representatives from the Council, Wiltshire Wildlife Trust and Commonweal School all took part in yesterday’s (4 Nov) planting. Professor Evelyn Welch, Vice-Chancellor and President of the University of Bristol, also attended marking a full circle moment following in the steps of one of her predecessors (Thomas Loveday) who opened the school 100 years ago.

Councillor Jake Chandler, Swindon Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for Strategy, Resilience and Green Infrastructure, said: “Reaching a 100-year milestone is a remarkable achievement for Commonweal School, and it’s fitting that this anniversary is being marked with something that will benefit both current and future generations.

“These trees will do far more than enhance the school grounds. They will support biodiversity, improve climate resilience and provide a unique outdoor learning resource for pupils for decades to come.

“What has impressed me most is the enthusiasm shown by the students themselves. Their passion for the environment and commitment to tackling the challenges of the future is inspiring. I look forward to seeing this tree trail grow and thrive, and I hope every pupil who studies here feels proud to be part of its story.”

Professor Evelyn Welch, Vice-Chancellor and President of the University of Bristol, said: “A hundred years ago my predecessor, Professor Loveday, was here to open Commonweal School and he knew how important education in a leafy, environment with playing fields was for young people.

“He really believed in this school so it’s an enormous pleasure to be back here to celebrate the centenary.”

Joseph Gillard, Trees for Climate Project Officer at Wiltshire Wildlife Trust, said: “It has been a privilege to be able to work with Commonweal School as they celebrate their 100th anniversary. The students have been great to work with and enthusiastic in getting their hands dirty to help us plant the first set of trees in this project. It’s wonderful to think that these students will be able to return in the years ahead and see how the trees they planted have grown and developed.

“The trees that we have planted are not only a great way to celebrate the anniversary, but they will also provide an educational resource for future generations of students. The species selected have been chosen to show the students the diversity of trees, showcasing the different ways they grow, reproduce and how they have evolved over time both naturally and through human intervention. We are hoping this project will help the students feel more connected to nature and enable them to witness the remarkable variation within trees that often goes unnoticed.”