Primary School Students Plant Trees on Cornwall Estate Using 1792 Designs

Young students from a primary school have undertaken the planting of saplings on a Cornwall estate, guided by designs dating back to 1792. Humphry Repton was responsible for landscaping the 60-acre (24 ha) property in 1792, documenting his plans in a leather-bound sketchbook known as the Red Book. A group of sixty pupils from St Germans Primary School proceeded to plant hazel saplings, adhering to Repton’s original scheme, following the destruction of the initial trees by storms. A student commented, stating: “I’m really excited because I’ve never planted a tree before, or a plant.” Coco Brown, a researcher specializing in the history of Port Eliot, remarked: “There are 60 acres covered with a variety of trees and if there are to be additions, the Red Book is consulted.” The Red Book, created by Humphry Repton, encompasses all the renowned landscaper’s hand-drawn illustrations of his concepts for the park. Among the elements he conceived were a rhododendron garden, a maze, a bowling green, an orangery, and an arboretum. Ms Brown indicated that the grounds contained 420 trees, all native to Britain, comprising species such as hazel, silver birch, English oak, rowan, blackthorn, and hawthorn. She further stated: “We are going to be planting some hazels along the River Tiddy and these will be replacing some of the original trees that have been lost to either storms or wind damage.” Sarah Smith, the assistant head teacher, observed that the tree planting activity introduced “real-life context into the classroom.” She further noted: “Every aspect we can, we’re outside for enrichment opportunities – the children just love it.”