More than 1,750 native tree seeds have been sown by school pupils across Greater Belfast and North Down as part of a biodiversity project supported by Belfast City Airport’s Community Fund.

The initiative, delivered by The Conservation Volunteers (TCV), provided hands-on outdoor learning to encourage young people to understand and protect their local environment. The seeds are expected to produce more than 1,450 native trees.

A total of 265 pupils from seven of the airport’s partner schools took part in workshops on growing trees from seed, identifying local species and learning about the role of native woodland in supporting biodiversity and responding to climate change.

Grainne Loughrey of Belfast City Airport said the project had helped create greener school settings while building environmental awareness among young people.

“We are incredibly proud to support projects like this, which benefit both the pupils and the wider environment,” she said.

Hollie Murphy, Project Officer at TCV, said the experience had encouraged pupils to become advocates for nature within their communities.

“These young people are the environmental leaders of tomorrow and planting 1,750 seeds will have an impact that lasts for generations,” she said.

The airport’s Community Fund has donated almost £700,000 to more than 237 local initiatives since it launched in 2009.