Frensham and Gib Gate students tend to tree planted in 1890 by Sir Henry Parkes

More than 400 people gathered on March 21, 1890 to see him plant the English Oak Tree, which is located at the Berrima War Memorial.

Two thirds of the tree fell apart "beyond repair" after a 2022 storm, Wingecarribee Shire Council team leader of tree management Charlene Ferguson said, where it "tore in two" and branches collapsed.

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Bolts were installed in the middle of the tree to support it, there was pruning, and broken parts that proved a risk to the community were removed.

"It was quite catastrophic," Ms Ferguson said.

Head of property at Frensham Schools Malcolm Boyes wanted to get involved and had the idea to get a group of students to help out.

For the last few months, students from Gib Gate and Frensham have been applying tonic treatments, which helps the historic tree retain nutrients.

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"It was fantastic, it was great for them to hear the history and the significance of something that they were not around for 100 years ago, and that will be around for another hundred years," Mr Boyes said.

The project is one of many that the school is taking part in across the Highlands, to give students the opportunity to give back, and immerse themselves in the community.

"The tonic is to reduce the stress on the tree," Ms Ferguson said, where strains on a tree of that size can be fatal.

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The tonic is being applied every six weeks for the next 12 months, and the next treatment will be applied in spring.

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