This report highlights the Trees for Schools initiative, through which climate-resilient trees have been planted at a local primary school with the generous support of Atos, alongside additional schools that have benefited from their wider commitment to the project.
Each Trees for Schools workshop is carefully designed around the individual needs of the school. Before planting takes place, a consultation is carried out with staff to understand the site, the pupils’ age range, and how much green space is available. This allows us to select appropriate tree species, plan the layout of the planting, and ensure the trees will become a meaningful and long-lasting resource for both learning and the wider school community.
The programme has a strong social impact focus, prioritising schools where a higher proportion of pupils are eligible for Free School Meals, helping to ensure that access to high-quality green learning spaces and environmental education is available to those who may benefit most.
Our Education Officers lead hands-on sessions where children learn how to plant and care for trees, with activities adapted to suit different year groups. Pupils explore topics such as seasonal change, plant life cycles, forest ecosystems, animal identification, food chains and the impact of climate change. By combining practical outdoor learning with curriculum-linked themes, the project strengthens children’s connection to nature, particularly in urban environments where access to green space can be limited.
Beyond environmental education, Trees for Schools helps create greener, healthier school grounds that support wellbeing, biodiversity and climate resilience. It encourages environmental stewardship from an early age, builds practical life skills in planting and care and contributes positively to local ecosystems.
St Aidan’s Church of England Primary School is a caring and inclusive school, underpinned by a strong Christian ethos and a commitment to ensuring that every child is able to flourish. Working in close partnership with parents, the church and the wider community, the school is dedicated to providing the very best education for all pupils, helping them to experience ‘life in all its fullness’ (John 10:10).
At the heart of St Aidan’s is a nurturing Christian community where each child is valued as an individual. Guided by values of respect, compassion and forgiveness, the school fosters a safe and supportive environment where positive relationships thrive and children are encouraged to grow in confidence, independence and wellbeing.
With high expectations and a broad, balanced curriculum, St Aidan’s ensures that all pupils are challenged and supported to achieve their best. A dedicated team of staff and governors work together to help children develop into resilient, enthusiastic learners who are well-prepared for the next stage of their journey, both academically and personally.
Jessica is a qualified primary school teacher and a former People and Wildlife Officer at Northumberland Wildlife Trust. She says: “I find it so rewarding to see how much knowledge children absorb during a day out in a woodland, as well as how much they enjoy it! Growing up in Northumberland I was lucky enough to go on regular family walks to woodlands, where I would take part in treasure hunts, build dens, look for wildlife and make up stories. Many children now don’t get so many opportunities to explore woodlands, so I love showing school groups how much fun they can be!”
As a GreenTheUK partner, you support projects that are in line with the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
Take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts.
Sustainably manage forests, combat desertification, halt and reverse land degradation, halt biodiversity loss.
