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 JCDecaux, 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.
Seely Primary School is a welcoming school at the heart of its community, where high expectations and a strong sense of care underpin everything it does. The dedicated staff team is committed to supporting all pupils to achieve their best, with the aim that children leave as confident, healthy global citizens equipped with the knowledge, skills and ambition for the future.
The school is proud of its inclusive culture and celebrates diversity, ensuring that all pupils and families feel a strong sense of identity, belonging and respect. This commitment is reflected in its achievement of the Rainbow Flag Award and the Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Quality Mark.
Guided by values closely aligned with British Values, Seely Primary fosters positive behaviour, mutual respect and a shared understanding of what it means to be part of a caring and inclusive school community.
A mixed-species hedge was planted along the boundary of a new area being developed for outdoor learning. Following an existing fence, the new row of trees will provide both habitat and a corridor for wildlife, as well as help enhance the space for pupils. As most of the school grounds are tarmac, concrete, and fake grass, any addition of natural greenery is enthusiastically welcomed.
Alice is an experienced primary school teacher and forest school leader with a passion for getting children out into forests and learning about them.
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.
