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.
Ashgate Primary is home to over 300 students from age 4-11. Ashgate values the wellbeing and participation of their students, having therapy animals on the grounds and teaching the RESPECT agenda which promotes British values. Ashgate Primary prides itself on being an outward looking, forward thinking school, striving for excellence in all it does, providing students with the right opportunities to grow in a fast-changing world.
A tree circle and tree triangle were planted at the edges of the main playing field, which will eventually form a shaded, enclosed space for students to sit, relax, or play. Additional trees were planted along one side of the field to enhance the appearance of the area near the bike and scooter parking, making it feel more natural and inviting. In another location, a short hedge was planted along a metal boundary fence to screen the public park next door and provide students with greater privacy. Scattered trees were also added near this hedge to create a wilder, more natural area for wildlife and to strengthen the boundary between the school grounds and the park.
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.
