New Zealand students assist CWGC teams at Tyne Cot Cemetery

On 5th of July, a group of students from ACG Parnell College, Auckland, New Zealand, assisted our gardeners with weeding at Tyne Cot Cemetery, Belgium.

The group of 31 students, aged 15-17 years old, and four teachers were on their first European trip. Their itinerary took in various battlefields as well as other iconic European cities including Paris and Rome.

The students wanted to give something back in tribute to those Kiwi and Commonwealth soldiers who fought on the battlefields of France and Belgium during the World Wars. It was suggested they assist CWGC gardeners on site at Tyne Cot Cemetery.

Senior Head Gardener Gerry White welcomed the students on site, gave them their health & safety introduction and helped them identify the difference between less-desirable plants and desired species.

The students were also informed on CWGC’s sustainability approach and how this applies to horticulture.

The students were guided by Gerry White and his colleague Luc Oosterlinck.
 
This was a unique experience for the Kiwi students to come and help out where their relatives fought and fell over 100 years ago, but also learn more about CWGC’s sustainability practices.

Tyne Cot Cemetery is the largest Commonwealth War Graves war cemetery in the world. It holds nearly 12,000 Commonwealth burials of the First World War, including 200 New Zealand war graves.