Pembrokeshire School Kids Plant Rare Bubblegum Tree
Wow…. How Lucky are the pupils at Ysgol Eglwyswrw in Crymych as they get to plant an uber rare and unusual Bubblegum Apple Tree in their school grounds.
As part of an exciting project called the ‘Poppit Persawrus’ in Welsh (Fragrant Poppit), the pupils in year six of Ysgol Eglwyswrw in Crymych Pembrokeshire, have been able to plant one of only five such trees known to exist and produces delicious apples which have a distinctive taste and smell of bubblegum.
The tree is native to North Pembrokeshire, having been discovered growing naturally at Poppit Sands.
The Headteacher
Headteacher Mr Edryd Eynon said it was planted by year six pupils as part of the project ‘Gadael Gwreiddiau’ (Leaving their Roots).
“Our aim through this project is to ensure that pupils leave their mark at Ysgol Eglwyswrw before moving on to new pastures,” he said.
“We want the children to know where they’ve come from, celebrate their culture, history and language and pass on these traditions to the new generation of pupils.”
“As part of this project we want to ensure that all pupils be good citizens and have a positive effect on the environment and what better than to plant trees, but especially unique trees at Ysgol Eglwyswrw.”
Mr Eynon added: “We are very lucky to have the support and expertise of one of our parents, Mr Steven Wilson who has led this side of the project. We are grateful for his support.”
The Year Six Pupils
All the pupils were enthusiastic about the scheme.
“I think it’s brilliant that we plant trees in our final year at Ysgol Eglwyswrw. It means that we leave something behind, but something positive for the environment,” said James Griffiths.
Classmate Jude Brown added: “We have planted many trees in the past four years and now we are starting to create a woodland area where we can hold nature investigations. But also I’m very glad that we have planted this unique apple tree. I can’t wait to come back and taste the bubblegum apples!”
Grace Thomson was equally excited about the project. “I think it’s brilliant that we have planted unique trees here at Ysgol Eglwyswrw,” she said. “This means that these trees won’t die out. The breed of these trees will live for ever!”
More Trees at Ysgol Eglwyswrw
The pupils at Ysgol Eglwyswrw have also planted another unusual specimen, the endangered Wollemi pine from Australia, which was a gift from The People’s Orchard St. Dogmaels.
The hope is to ensure that this tree thrives again and tree experts around the world can visit Ysgol Eglwyswrw to take seeds from the endangered tree to ensure it continuity.
The School’s woodland also includes oak, maple, beech, and a conifer called the Dawn Redwood.
The Bubble Gum Apple Tree was also supplied to the school thanks to its links with The People’s Orchard St Dogmaels, who described the tree as unique to the area and very special.
The People’s Orchard St Dogmaels are a group that are funded by the Big Lottery to plant trees and wildflowers in order to improve the habitat for pollinating insects.
Photos Source Credit from Pembrokeshire County Council: Pictured are pupils at Ysgol Eglwyswrw planting the Bubble Gum Apple Tree and Miss Miriam James, Year 6 teacher, Mr Steven Wilson, parent and leader of the planting project at Ysgol Eglwyswrw, and Miss Kez Phillips, Class LSA, and Janie Pridham.
