Pupils in the North East are celebrating today (Thursday May 4), after they helped break the existing world record for the largest number of trees planted in an hour with staff from Forestry Commission Scotland and BP, at Darroch Wids, Coynachie, Huntly. Tree planters managed to plant an amazing 18,124 trees in just forty minutes. With only one hundred volunteers allowed to participate, each tree planter managed to plant over four trees per minute. The current entry in the Guinness Book of World Records was held by Gee long Landcare Network, Australia, who planted 13,125 trees in an hour.
The pupils were also able to measure their own carbon footprint and gain an insight into the role that woodlands play in reducing the effects of climate change. The trees planted today will soak up 3624 tonnes of carbon.
"This is fabulous news for all those who took part in breaking this record. Today's world record is a great way for youngsters to have fun yet make an important connection between how our forests and woodlands are helping in the global battle for climate change. Well done to all those involved and have helped truly plant the north-east of Scotland on the world map!"
Joining in the celebrations, Liz Shortall, Darroch Wids Project Manager for Forestry Commission Scotland, said:
"We are delighted to have achieved this new record. Everyone involved had a great time planting all these trees and what makes this event all the more rewarding is that their efforts will make a significant contribution to the new woodlands that we are creating ad will be enjoyed by generations to come."
Darroch Wids is one of 10 native woodland restoration projects being undertaken by the Scottish Forest Alliance (SFA) around Scotland. The SFA is a conservation project uniting BP, Forestry Commission Scotland, the Woodland Trust Scotland and RSPB.
Most Trees Planted in 24 hours
The Creation of Guinness World Record at Naluvedapathy in
Nagapattinam, Tamilnadu, 2002
Nagapattinam is a coastal District on the Eastern Coast of India in the State of Tamil Nadu with a long coastline of 187 km. The district is famous for the ancient site of Poompuhar and the Point Calimere Bird & Wild Life Sanctuary. It is also pilgrimage destinations for its famous Nagore Dargah, Shrine Basilica at Velanganni (a la Lourdes of the East) and historically important Hindu temples at Sirkali, Sikkal, etc.
Living at the tail end of the Cauvery river basin - the Rice Bowl of the South – the half million farmers and farm workers of this agrarian district constantly fight the elements of floods and droughts year after year. With saline ground water and the oft un-assured irrigation from the Cauvery, the paddy crop, which is the lifeline of the district, is dependent on rains.