Primary schools set out to save rainforest

One Hull of a Rainforest has set out to raise 250,000 to buy 100 hectares at the heart of the Maquipucuna Reserve with the aim of protecting its flora and fauna from tree-logging and development.

So far a total of 40 city primary schools have signed up to the project and it is hoped all 71 in the city will eventually be involved.

Lee-Ann Williams, from Hull Friends of the Earth, which is holding the annual event this Saturday, said: "We wanted to support One Hull of a Rainforest as soon as we heard about it. The teachers really are encouraging the children of Hull to "think globally and act locally".

"It made sense to invite them along to be the stars of the fair."

The initiative ties in with work by Friends of the Earth to draw links between the food on our table and the destruction of the rainforest. Factory farming relies on massive amounts of soy, a key ingredient in animal food, most of which is sourced from vast plantations in South America where tracts of land are cleared to grow it.

The group is calling for a new meat and dairy law, which will break the link between animal feed in factory farms and rainforest destruction

Hilary Byers, of Hull Friends of the Earth, said: "As well as lots of stalls and displays there will be people selling hand-made crafts, recyclers, fair traders and organic growers. We put on good live music, craft activities for the children and serve hot soup and homemade cakes from our excellent vegetarian caf.'

The Green Fair is from 11am to 3pm at the Spring Bank Community Centre on West Parade, Spring Bank, in Hull. Admission is 20p for adults and 10p for big children. Little children get in for free.

To donate to the project to One Hull of a Rainforest or find out more, e-mail [email protected]