Bunnings Warehouse Forster staffers Lucy Scott and Kath Truett as well as the school’s environmental coordinator Glen Norton helped students from kindergarten to year 5 plant scrubs and natives in two of the school’s gardens on Friday afternoon. 

The school is one of 2,500 schools across the country to take part in the annual event. 

Mr Norton said the benefit of the Schools Tree Day is not only to give a boost to the school’s garden but to educate young students about the environment. 

“The playground has enough large trees but we’re having trouble with dropping limbs. Over the last few years we’ve chosen to put in scrubs and that’s what we’ve got today,” he said. 

“They’re safer and easier for kids to look after. 

“These kids are the future generation of Australia so it’s important to teach them to be respectful about the environment and how to look after the place.

“We want to try and instil some responsibility because without a healthy environment we won’t be healthy people.”

Planet Ark’s Schools Tree Day manager Debbie Agnew said the day was a great opportunity for kids to get outside.  

“We believe Schools Tree Day engages students in a fun, hands on activity which reinforces the environment, maths, science and creative arts learning and helps brighten up the school grounds.”