In freezing conditions, d’Overbroeck’s College students & staff bravely ventured off into the frozen wilderness of 
Cumnor Hill to engage in a spot of tree planting on Sunday 24th March.
The group of 27 students and staff – who will be taking part in a 5 day trek across the true wilderness of Iceland’s Landmannalaugar National Park in July, spent the afternoon at the Cumnor Hurst Community Woodland planting a variety of native trees as an attempt to offset the CO2 emissions resulting from the return flights they will take.
Jon-Paul Davies (trip leader) said:
“As a geographer I was concerned about the obvious double standards expressed in teaching about climate change issues and then flying 27 people to Iceland and back.
Whilst the science and politics of carbon credits, trading and offsetting is much debated, we want our students to be informed and conscious of their actions and hoped that by planting a few trees we might go some small way towards offsetting the impact of the flights.
It’s very likely we will have to return to plant many more trees over the years”
On the day, the students & staff were hosted by Timbmet who provided much needed tea and cakes. Nigel Fisher, keeper of Wytham Woods led the training on the day and gave information about planting, carbon offsetting and more.
During their Iceland visit, the students and staff will be raising money via a sponsored 5 day trek. All money raised will be donated to CARE – an International charity with a focus on disaster relief.