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 LRG, 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, LRG has now supported tree planting in 3 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, LRG is helping to equip children with environmental understanding while transforming school grounds into nature-rich places for communities to enjoy.
Bishop Lonsdale Primary School in Derby is a mixed school for students age 3-11. Bishop Lonsdale Primary promotes a safe and inviting atmosphere to encourage students to give it their all. The school is also involved with the local community, having partnerships with community organisations.
As part of the Trees for Schools programme, a mixed-species hedge was planted to mark off the Forest School area at the back of the school. Saplings were arranged in a large tree circle, creating a calm, enclosed space for students to sit and learn in the future. Additional trees were planted along the edge of the playing field near the tarmac area to provide shade in summer, particularly over the trim trail.
Jemma has been a primary school teacher for 14 years and worked in environmental education for 6 years prior to that. She has a degree in Ecology and a lifelong interest in the natural world.
She says: “I love seeing children enthused about the living things they find when exploring outdoors. That sense of wonder and curiosity is magical! I firmly believe that encouraging widespread learning about the species and habitats we share the world with is vital to conserving them and managing them wisely. As an experienced teacher, I also know that learning outdoors benefits children directly, with great potential to boost interest, enjoyment and self-esteem.”
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.
