A RARE and unusual tree - a bubblegum apple tree – has been planted by pupils at Ysgol Eglwyswrw in the school grounds this week, as part of an exciting project.

Named the ‘Poppit Persawrus’ in Welsh (Fragrant Poppit), it is one of only five such trees known to exist and produces delicious apples which have a distinctive taste and smell of bubblegum.

The tree is native to North Pembrokeshire, having been discovered growing naturally at Poppit Sands.

Headteacher Edryd Eynon said it was planted by year six pupils as part of the project ‘Gadael Gwreiddiau’ (Leaving their Roots).

“Our aim through this project is to ensure that pupils leave their mark at Ysgol Eglwyswrw before moving on to new pastures,” he said.

“We want the children to know where they’ve come from, celebrate their culture, history and language and pass on these traditions to the new generation of pupils.

“As part of this project we want to ensure that all pupils be good citizens and have a positive effect on the environment and what better than to plant trees, but especially unique trees at Ysgol Eglwyswrw.”

Mr Eynon added: “We are very lucky to have the support and expertise of one of our parents, Steven Wilson who has led this side of the project. We are grateful for his support.”

The pupils from year six were also enthusiastic about the scheme.

“I think it’s brilliant that we plant trees in our final year at Ysgol Eglwyswrw. It means that we leave something behind, but something positive for the environment,” said James Griffiths.

Classmate Jude Brown added: “We have planted many trees in the past four years and now we are starting to create a woodland area where we can hold nature investigations. But also I’m very glad that we have planted this unique apple tree. I can’t wait to come back and taste the bubblegum apples!”

Grace Thomson was equally excited about the project. “I think it’s brilliant that we have planted unique trees here at Ysgol Eglwyswrw,” she said. “This means that these trees won’t die out. The breed of these trees will live for ever!”

The pupils at Ysgol Eglwyswrw have also planted another unusual specimen, the endangered Wollemi pine from Australia, which was a gift from The People's Orchard, at St Dogmaels.

The hope is to ensure that this tree thrives again and tree experts around the world can visit Ysgol Eglwyswrw to take seeds from the endangered tree to ensure its continuity.

The school’s woodland also includes oak, maple, beech, and a conifer called the Dawn Redwood.

The Bubble Gum Apple Tree was also supplied to the school thanks to its links with The People's Orchard, who described the tree as unique to the area and very special.

The group is funded by the Big Lottery to plant trees and wildflowers in order to improve the habitat for pollinating insects.