The Trees for Schools project brings climate-resilient tree planting and high-quality outdoor learning directly into school grounds across the UK. Thanks to the support of LMAX Group, pupils at a local primary school have taken part in a planting workshop that will leave a legacy on their school grounds for decades to come. In total, LMAX Group has now supported tree planting in 6 schools, helping to expand green space, provide cleaner air in playgrounds, improve biodiversity and inspire the next generation of environmental stewards. This project is delivered in partnership with GreenTheUK and the Royal Forestry Society (RFS).
Every Trees for Schools workshop is designed specifically for the needs of each school. Before planting begins, the Royal Forestry Society (RFS) Education Officers meet with teachers to understand the school’s goals, existing green space, soil and site conditions, and long-term plans for the grounds. This ensures that the chosen species are well suited to the location, resilient to future climate pressures and valuable as a learning resource. The planting layout is mapped in advance, creating a purposeful design that will support wildlife, shade, shelter, outdoor education and reduce particulate air pollution.
On the day of planting, pupils learn directly from experienced Education Officers, who tailor sessions to the children’s age and interests. Activities may include exploring seasonal changes, understanding seeds and life cycles, identifying trees and animals, studying food chains and predators, and learning how forests help tackle climate change. The programme works with – and extends beyond – the curriculum, improving access to nature for children who may have limited opportunities to spend time outdoors. In urban areas especially, these workshops help break down barriers to nature connection and foster curiosity, confidence and wellbeing.
Through this project, young people learn why trees matter: their role in supporting local wildlife, improving air quality, capturing carbon and creating resilient habitats. At the same time, schools benefit from enhanced green spaces that support outdoor learning and provide calming, restorative environments for pupils and staff. National surveys show that over three-quarters of children want more time in nature, yet many families face accessibility barriers. With public support growing for a legal right to live within 15 minutes of nature, initiatives like Trees for Schools are more important than ever.
By supporting this programme with RFS and GreenTheUK, LMAX Group is helping to equip children with environmental understanding while transforming school grounds into nature-rich places for communities to enjoy.
Kells Lane Primary School has a long and proud history, dating back to 1878 and is a vibrant and dynamic school for nearly 500 pupils. With students from ages 3-11, they imbue their curriculum with learning journeys about the 4 C's: Communication, Conflict, Culture, and Conservation. With conservation as part of each student's journey, Kells Lane teaches the importance of the natural world and how to care for it.
As part of the Trees for Schools programme, several mixed-species hedges were planted to introduce more greenery, colour, and wildlife into the school grounds. The site is predominantly concrete and astroturf, with limited planting space, and many nearby homes lack gardens. By enhancing the grounds in this way, Kells Lane Primary School aims to help children connect with nature and develop a deeper understanding of the world around them.
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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.
