This report is about the Trees for Schools project where climate resilient trees have been planted in a local community space being used by a children's mental health organisation thanks to support from HH Global. They have sponsored the planting of trees in two schools as well. See the rest of the projects they have supported here.
Every tree planting workshop with the Trees for Schools programme is bespoke and tailored to the needs of the community. We take into account the age of the children and the existing availability of green space for new trees. A pre-planting consultation with the organisation helps us to understand which species will best suit their plans for the site, map out the planting and plan how the trees will best be used as a resource for the children.
Through this project, young people were taught about the importance of trees to local wildlife and why we need to plant them to help protect our planet. The children learnt how to plant trees and then helped plant them with our Education Officer. As well as educating children about climate change and wildlife, this project helped create a green learning space as well as a safe space to benefit the community.
The Wilmorton Community Gardens make up a greenspace in Derby dedicated to creating green opportunities for the local community. The children's mental health organisation, Bridge the Gap, is an emotional literacy service that has worked to establish a new plot at the community gardens to become a safe space that fosters growth, connection, and well-being for children and families.
At the Wilmorten Community Gardens in February 2024, 200 trees were planted to create a brand-new hedge that will help transform an old allotment into a therapeutic space for children needing support with mental health. The hedging trees will form a barrier around the allotment to boost privacy and reduce noise and visual input from beyond. By creating a green safe space for children, it will allow them to engage with nature while healing.
Becky is our Learning and Outreach Manager. She is responsible for our Teaching Trees and Future Foresters programmes as well as being our Lead Trainer.
Becky has an MA in Educational Leadership and spent 11 years as a teacher. During that time she worked in senior leadership, teacher training and as a teaching and learning advisor. Becky is a qualified Forest School leader and is very experienced in helping schools make the most of their outside space for learning. Becky can help schools to design in tree planting that helps to reduce noise and air pollution from any nearby roads, benefit wildlife and make the most exciting and interactive spaces for high quality education.
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.
