This report is about the Trees for Schools project where climate resilient trees have been planted in a local primary school thanks to support from LMAX Group.
Every tree planting workshop in the Trees for Schools programme is bespoke and tailored to the needs of the school. 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 school helps us to understand which species will best suit their plans for the site, map out the planting and plan how the trees will be best used as a resource for the school and community.
Our Educational Officers teach the children how to plant trees and tailor the session to the year group. Children can learn about: signs of the seasons, seeds and life cycles, sounds of the forest, tree and animal identification, food chains, climate change and predators and prey. This project works with and goes beyond the curriculum, helping to improve access to nature in urban areas and connection with wildlife from a young age.
Through this project, young people are taught about the importance of trees to local wildlife and why we need to plant them to help protect our planet. As well as educating children about climate change and wildlife, this project helps create green learning spaces with benefits for health and wellbeing.
At St Albans Catholic Primary School, a class of 30 children helped plant 100 hedging trees on their school grounds. This initiative serves as a dual purpose: to establish a natural barrier between their allotment and the pond, and to attract and support a diverse array of wildlife to enhance biodiversity on the school site. Hawthorn, guelder rose, dog rose and spindle were chosen to provide colour and visual interest from flowers and berries, plus food sources (nectar, pollen, berries, leaves etc) for a diverse range of species.
At Emmaville Primary School, 147 school children helped plant a mixed species hedge to increase biodiversity and improve the aesthetics of the school grounds. Beech was chosen for autumn leaf colour, and the fact that the autumnal leaves are often retained through the winter. Small mammals will also be able to feed on the beech nuts. Field Maple was chosen for their beautifully shaped leaves and autumn colour, and for providing food for insects that eat pollen and nectar. Dogwood and Dog rose were chosen for their flowers and fruit - for pollinators and for berry-eating wildlife. The leaves and leaf litter from all four species will also provide food for many invertebrates, benefiting the food web. Aftercare information was given to the school so they understand the correct timing for cutting the hedge, in order to still get flowers and berries on it. The hedge runs along part of an ugly chain link fence which the school wanted to hide. The school also wanted to plant more trees to enrich outdoor learning sessions.
Becky is Learning and Outreach Manager at the Royal Forestry Society. She is responsible for the 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.
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.
