The learners from the local Elnor Primary School were invited to plant small spekboom saplings as part of their school’s educational programme at Clay’s Lane Park – just a short walk from their school - while Executive Mayor Dan Plato and Mayoral Committee Member for Community Services and Health, Councillor Zahid Badroodien, introduced a couple of waterberry trees to their new home.

‘Plants not only beautify our communities, but are also important in helping to supply us with oxygen. The message of Arbor Month is even more important in the time of climate change. Planting a tree is a small and noble gesture that makes a big difference in the urban environment and I cannot imagine communities without trees. Today’s planting forms part of my Back-to-Basics campaign, which is a renewed focus on local parks, making sure they are properly maintained, the fences are not broken and parks are fully enjoyed as recreational spaces.

It’s only through awareness, educational programmes and partnerships with the community that the value of caring for trees will be preserved.

 It makes me very happy to see these young learners so enthusiastic about tree planting and caring for the environment,’ said Alderman Plato.

The City will be driving tree-planting initiatives at various locations throughout Arbor Month.

‘Arbor Month will also feature prominently during the various school holiday programmes at our recreation centres, parks and eco-centres towards the end of September. We are truly excited about this programme. It is vital to sow seeds within the next generation about preserving the environment.

‘The Recreation and Parks Department promotes the use of parks as outdoor classrooms, giving learners an opportunity to apply what they learn about nature and planting trees in an interactive and fun way. I would like to encourage all community members to take ownership of their parks so that all our parks can be enjoyed by young and old, ’ said Councillor Badroodien.

Recently, the department launched its Park Buddies programme, designed to keep the public open spaces safe, cleaned and well-maintained for the benefit of the local communities.

Clay’s Lane Park is one of the 58 parks that feature in the first phase of the programme.

Park Buddy, Mervyn April lives on the same street as the park, and has been working to improve the appearance of Clay’s Lane since before his appointment.

‘My proudest achievement thus far is the garden in the corner. Previously, people would do drugs or hide their drugs in this neglected area of the park. I decided to construct a small, palette picket fence with a gate around the corner, and surrounded the area with many plants. Now it is a safe space and the different plants growing there are something pleasant for the community to enjoy,’ said April.

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