A green-fingered toddler who nurtured a young tree has given it a new home at the University of Aberdeen.
Three-year-old Alan Fleming took home the Hazel sapling from a Nature Tots session held at the University's Natural History Centre just over 12 months ago. The environmental workshop had celebrated National Tree Week.
But Alan's mum Julie got in touch again at the end of last year to offer the 50cm tree back to the University after she feared it might grow too big for the family garden.
Mandy Tulloch, Development Co-ordinator at the Natural History Centre, explained: "We were delighted to hear from Alan and his mum and were very impressed that his tree had grown so much in the last year.
"We thought it would be nice if it was planted somewhere Alan and his family could visit so we asked the gardeners in the University's Cruickshank Botanic Garden about the possibilities. They had a good look around our 11 acres and found a lovely spot, near to some other hazel trees.
"Alan obviously has very green fingers and we hope he visits the Cruickshank Botanic Garden for years to come to keep tabs on his tree. Who knows, he might even become a forester in the future!"
Julie, who lives in Aberdeen's Mannofield, added: "Alan enjoyed knowing that this was 'his tree' and during the summer he was encouraged to water it, and did so once a week.
"Alan enjoyed doing this very much and took great pleasure in pointing out to visitors to the garden "his Hazel Tree".
"We got back in touch with the Natural History Centre as we were aware that after about a year the tree required to be planted into the ground. Our garden was too small for this and we felt it was important to plant it somewhere for the future. We were delighted when Aberdeen University advised us that it could be planted in their gardens.
"We are also pleased that by planting it there, Alan will be able to visit it in the years to come and see "his Hazel Tree" grow."
· The University of Aberdeen Natural History Centre aims to inspire everyone about our amazing living world. It offers free hands-on activity sessions to primary and secondary schools and is also open to the public. Tel: 01224 274545.
· The Cruickshank Botanic Garden is a beautiful century-old landscaped garden in the grounds of the University of Aberdeen which is extensively used for study and research and is also open to the public.
