Primary School Expansion: Removing Trees for Growth
In the heart of Burg-Hoëhscheid, two primary schools, Weyer and Schützenstraße, are set to undergo expansions, a move announced by the city administration in October 2023. The expansion plans, which involve the felling of approximately 14 trees, primarily London Plane trees, have raised concerns about the environmental impact and the future of these iconic urban trees.
The construction for Weyer Primary School is scheduled to begin next summer, with four new trees being planted in the Schimmelbusch green area near the school in January. Two Plane trees will initially remain standing at the school. In a bid to minimise disruption, the felling will occur before the breeding and nesting season, on January 2nd.
Schützenstraße Primary School will see the felling of eight trees on January 3rd and 4th. Only one new tree will be planted after construction, while the fate of the remaining Plane trees will be determined during the construction process. In addition to the London Plane trees, other types of deciduous trees, including Mountain Ash, White Thorn, and Hazel, will also be felled.
The removal of these trees, valued for their ecological benefits and aesthetic appeal, raises concerns about the impact on local biodiversity and ecosystems. London Plane trees, in particular, are known for their ability to provide shade and help maintain air quality.
However, the city administration has not overlooked the importance of replanting. Twelve replacement trees will be planted in the street area or on municipal sites in the vicinity as early as January. After construction, ten more deciduous trees and some hedges will be planted on the school grounds.
When replacing trees, it's crucial to select species that are suitable for the local climate and soil conditions. Native species are often preferred for their environmental benefits and lower maintenance needs. Planting multiple smaller trees instead of a few large ones can help ensure better survival rates and more rapid growth.
Engaging the local community in the planting process can help foster support for the school expansion and enhance the sense of community ownership over the new plantings. Replacement plantings should be part of a long-term plan that includes ongoing maintenance and care to ensure the trees grow and thrive over time.
For those seeking more precise information about these schools and their expansions, it is advisable to consult local government or educational authorities.
- The expansion of Weyer Primary School's curriculum will incorporate environmental-science lessons, teaching students about climate-change and the importance of preserving trees like the London Plane, which are valued for their air-quality benefits and shade.
- As part of the Schützenstraße Primary School's commitment to education-and-self-development, they plan to incorporate learning sessions on the ecological value of trees, including London Plane trees that will be felled during expansion, with a focus on the impact of climate-change on urban ecosystems.
- To address the concerns about climate-change, loss of biodiversity, and the importance of urban trees, both schools are taking proactive steps by replanting suitable native tree species and engaging the local community in the planting process, fostering a sense of community ownership and promoting learning opportunities in environmental-science.
