A bus load of green-fingered fun for Middleton primary schools

Middleton primary school children enjoy tree planting

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Parkfield Primary School and Middleton Parish CofE Primary School enjoyed a spot of sprucing up for spring this week, as Stagecoach Manchester planted 22 new trees to represent the fleet of 22 new double decker buses coming to the area.

As part of the launch, pupils from the two schools dusted off their spades to plant a selection of Cherry, Birch and Mountain Ash saplings as well as learning about how they can reduce their own carbon footprint.

Both primary schools have strong eco initiatives and take part in Forest School as part of their curriculum.

Mr Brown, Forest School teacher at Middleton Parish CofE Primary School, said: “The children have really enjoyed getting stuck into the green lesson this afternoon and improving our outdoor space with spring just around the corner.

"Forest School is an important part of the children’s curriculum so it’s great to see a local business like Stagecoach Manchester offering support; it’s been beneficial for the children to learn about how they can reduce their own carbon footprint.”

Stagecoach Manchester has spent £4.6 million on new double decker buses, which will predominantly run on services 112, 114 and 118, to replace the existing single decker fleet in Middleton.

The new buses will provide increased levels of safety and comfort for passengers. All of the buses are fitted with USB charging points, on board Wi-Fi and the latest Euro 6 emission standard engines, to lessen the impact public transport has on the local environment.

Elisabeth Tasker, managing director at Stagecoach Manchester, said: “We’ve invested heavily in providing the people of Middleton with the very latest double decker buses to make sure their travel is as relaxing, practical and affordable as possible.

“It is a priority of ours as a key local business to play a big part in helping to improve our local environment and by working with local schools to renovate their outdoor spaces, we are able to teach the younger generation about the importance of green initiatives.”