Outdoor classroom

Through the Collie River Revitalisation project, the local primary school was granted $1000, which they used to purchase a range of native seedlings and tree guards.

It was hoped they would improve the area between the school's edge and oval.

Principal Simon Paton said the school was making an effort to teach students the importance of caring for the environment outside a traditional classroom setting.

"This area of land has become a bit neglected recently and we have been looking at ways to revitalise it and make it a bit more welcoming, especially considering other schools use it for cross country competitions and the community uses the surrounding grounds on weekends," he said.

"We're a big advocate for the environment here and getting the kids involved gives them a sense of ownership over the seedlings.

"Because this is something the kids have done and it's their patch of garden, it's less likely to be ruined and left unkempt. When they see others causing havoc on their hard work they stand up and look after it."

Over the course of the day, students from all years made their way to the planting area to try their green thumbs out.

Year five student Claudia Scoffern said being able to have class outdoors was a bonus, despite being caught out in the rain.

"I would rather be out here than behind a desk. I like being outdoors," she said.

"Yeah it makes me feel good [to be a part of the project]."

The Collie River Revitalisation project started in 2018 as a collaboration project to plant 15,000 seedlings and trees.

It was hoped the trees would improve the Collie River's health, attract locals and tourists to walk trails and cycle paths, and increase swimming, fishing and canoeing in the area.

It has since grown in size, with local schools joining in, South32 and the Shire of Collie partnering into the project, and local mining organisations taking part throughout the year.