As part of our recent action-packed, conservation-focused adventure in Borneo, students from Ferryhill School played a hands-on role in the ongoing mission to reforest the region’s vital rainforest. This was more than just a trip, it was a unique opportunity for students to witness firsthand the transformative power of environmental action.
Wayne, our Product Officer, had the opportunity to lead students through this unforgettable day. In this blog, he reflects on his experience and shares valuable insights from the journey.
How the Day Started:
The journey begins in Kinabatangan, a region rich in biodiversity and locally known as the “Long Chinese River.” This area provides the perfect setting for students to immerse themselves in the complex challenges facing Southeast Asia’s tropical rainforests. Led by expert local guides, students had the rare opportunity to encounter some of Borneo’s elusive wildlife – including the endangered Bornean pygmy elephants. Witnessing these animals in their natural habitat provided a powerful and memorable perspective on the challenges of habitat loss and the urgent need for species conservation.
The group then arrived at the river’s edge to meet Mark – a passionate conservationist and a key figure in the work of our partner NGO, A.P.E. Malaysia. A true advocate for the rainforest, Mark welcomed the students before they boarded a speedboat to cross to a local tree nursery. There, he and his dedicated team delivered an engaging and insightful briefing explaining the realities of reforestation, the importance of ecological restoration, and the meaningful role our efforts would play in supporting the environment.
We headed from this site on our first adventure upriver in which we came across a defrosted clearing on the riverbank. As we stood on the riverbank in the shade, huge rhinoceros hornbills flying overhead and amongst hundreds of sprouting seedlings we marvelled at the great work these tree planting heroes have achieved.
Restoring the Rainforest Begins:
After the A.P.E. team captivated the students with a wealth of knowledge, fresh perspectives, and engaging insights into conservation – the work began.
The team guided students and teachers through the best techniques for planting seedlings to ensure their resilience and long-term success – ultimately helping them grow into vital sources of food and habitat within the rainforest ecosystem. As Mark guided the students, he shared his personal approach to measuring success in seedling planting, explaining that one of the most rewarding moments in this challenging process is seeing an orangutan build a nest in a tree that you’ve helped to plant.
The students then set to work in pairs, digging, planting and fertilising with a competitive edge and real sense of purpose. Once the great effort of the students and teachers were complete and the seedlings were standing tall, the students were given the precise coordinates of the site, so for decades to come they can see the progress of the planted trees via satellite image.
This learning adventure places student at the heart of conservation efforts. By actively participating in reforestation and wildlife protection, students gain a deeper understanding of ecological restoration. Their involvement not only inspires personal growth but also contributes to the long-term health and resilience of this fragile ecosystem, highlighting the importance of hands-on learning in fostering future environmental stewards.
