Armed with 28 child-size spades, the pupils of King's Somborne C. of E. Primary School have spent a day in a cemetery.

The spades were provided by the British Trust for Conservation Volunteers so that every one of them could be involved in a scheme to improve the environment and wildlife area by planting hedges in the parish cemetery.

Susan Simmonds, of the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust, gave a talk in assembly to provide them with an understanding of why the hedgerows were being planted; how important hedges were to wildlife and how they benefited the area.

At the cemetery, the children were joined by parents and village tree warden and parish councillor, Michelle Covington-Jones. She had organised a day earlier in the month for adults to learn about the after care of newly planted trees and to begin the work.

"Due to the size of this project, it was necessary for the hedges to be planted in stages," said Susan.

"The children continued the work by planting the remainder of the hedge, using native species such as hawthorn, wild privet and holly."

The hedge was mulched with five cubic metres of Pro-grow organic soil conditioner, donated by Hampshire Waste Services.

Funds for the scheme were provided by the King's Somborne Parish Council and the trust and an application has been made to Test Valley Borough Council for an environmental enhancement grant.

"This is an excellent project for the school," said Susan.

"In a few years, when the hedges start to grow, the children will be able to see exactly how hedgerows benefit wildlife."