Children help plant more than 200 trees in the grounds of Middlesbrough's Acklam Hall

Children with autism have been nurturing their green-fingered skills helping to plant more than 200 trees in the grounds of Middlesbrough’s Acklam Hall.

Pupils from Beverley School on Saltersgill Avenue have teamed up with Acklam Hall Ltd - which is developing Middlesbrough’s only Grade I listed building into a wedding venue and restaurant - on a nature project.

Acklam Hall Ltd said the renovation has included the “necessary removal of trees which were either coming to the end of their life, decayed or simply jeopardising the future growth of neighbouring trees”.

It is now starting a comprehensive tree planting programme as part of its investment in the “long term sustainability” of the hall and its surroundings.

Pupils from the specialised school for children with autism, will be gaining a wealth of outdoor-based education and will be planting their own small piece of Middlesbrough’s history.

Antony Wilson of DH Multi Services Ltd and teaching assistant Nicole Raitano plant a tree at Middlesbrough's Acklam Hall development with a pupil from Beverley School

Philip Christie of Acklam Hall Ltd said: “We are so keen to promote proactive and sustainable woodland management which must include tree replacement to ensure future generations can enjoy this beautiful area.

“We wanted to support Beverley School in particular as some of our team in Acklam Hall Ltd are personally affected by autism. We’re hoping to continue working closely with this incredible school in the future.”

Jane May, deputy head teacher at Beverley School said: “Our pupils within reception and year one are following a topic based on nature.

“They will be finding out about plants, trees and animals and learning what they need to grow.

“Our pupils learn best from experiencing things practically and the opportunity to plant trees at Acklam Hall links perfectly to their current topic.”

Acklam Hall is due to open towards the end of the year.

Philip added: “We have received massive interest in all the facilities Acklam Hall will be providing, and we can’t wait for people to see the transformation for themselves.”

Acklam Hall will be creating over 30 jobs once it reopens, including roles such as personnel for administration, serviced office management, wedding and events management, cleaners, porters, kitchen staff and more.

Acklam Hall’s next project will see the launch of a healthcare village.

To register your interest in the opening of Acklam Hall, visit: www.acklamhall.co.uk