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. They have sponsored planting of trees in 2 other schools as well. See the rest of the projects they have supported here.
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.
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.
