Children at two village schools in Wiltshire have been picking and planting acorns and will now watch them grow into saplings during their school life.

Reception pupils from Horningsham and Crockerton Primary Schools, both near Warminster, have picked acorns which will grow into saplings by the time they reach year six.

The project is lead by Caramantha Wellstead, head of education at Longleat, and Jim McConkie, head forester, who are keen to promote the importance of trees in the ecosystem.

Children from Horningsham Primary School pick acorns to be planted and grown into oak treesChildren from Horningsham Primary School pick acorns to be planted and grown into oak trees (Image: Horningsham Primary School) Ms Wellstead said: "The acorn planting project aims to increase children’s knowledge of how trees grow and their understanding of the importance of trees for people, wildlife, and the environment.

"It also raises awareness of the forestry roles and jobs in that sector."

Children from Horningsham Primary School pick acorns to be planted and grown into oak treesChildren from Horningsham Primary School pick acorns to be planted and grown into oak trees (Image: Horningsham Primary School) The saplings, which will be planted and grown at the schools, will be moved into a designated area on the Longleat estate when the children turn 11.

Ms Wellstead added: "Each child is given a certificate with the location of the planted saplings so as they grow older they can return and visit with their families and friends.

"This is a fun way of enabling children to contribute in a positive way to the future of the planet."