educational programme for Bermuda's school children next week.

The National Trust will donate more than 100 loquat trees to the Bermuda Zoological Society's (BZS) Learning Through Landscapes Programme.

Environmental Officer trainee and project manager Keanya Francis said: "We are extremely grateful to the National Trust for this important contribution to educating Bermuda's young people.'' BZS will distribute the trees to the various participating schools and provide teachers with a curriculum booklet in a bid to maximise the value of the Trust's gift.

Tree planting is part of the Growing with Trees campaign which helps schools and other groups to plant, nurture and enjoy trees which are an essential part of the Island's ecosystem.

One of its goals is to promote and maintain a healthy environment for future generations by putting trees back into the landscape.

The Trust's loquat trees will provide schools with opportunities to teach about language, biology, geography and other subjects.

Learning Through Landscapes coordinator Romelle Warner said: "For example, Bermuda's history can be made to come alive by communicating the historical and cultural significance of loquats to Bermuda.

"Governor Reid introduced this tree to Bermuda in around 1850 from Malta. The loquat tree originates from Japan. Picking loquats continues to be a favourite pastime for many Bermudians.''