Builders’ merchants from Jersey to Warrington and South Wales to Sleaford have planted trees in schools with SCA, in celebration of FSC Friday at the end of September.

Infant, primary, and special needs schools accepted offers from their local builders’ merchants to plant spruce tree seedlings from SCA’s Bogrundet tree nursery in Sweden – some of the approximately 100m seedlings brought into growth by SCA this year.

Presentations on sustainable forestry and wood products were given to school assemblies by SCA area managers, followed by plantings with members of each school’s EcoCouncil or Gardening Club.

“It’s an opportunity for us to connect with the local community,” said Paul Conboy, director at Beers Timber & Building Supplies. “We’ve had great feedback from the schools and it’s a fun learning process for the children. Long may it continue.”

Paul Pinel, who looks after marketing at Pentagon Builders’ Merchants in Jersey, added:

“Pentagon is fully committed to reducing the environmental and carbon impact of construction through continual improvement. Events like the tree planting give us an opportunity to educate all those who come into contact with the construction sector in the Channel Islands and encourage them to do the same.”

This is the third year that SCA has invited selected merchant customers to join in celebrating certified wood and forests for FSC Friday; the annual event itself has been organised since 2008.