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 Riello UPS. 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.
Bede Community Primary School has taken an exciting step toward creating a greener, more engaging school environment through the planting of a new woodland area on site. The project was driven by the desire to involve children in creating a space for outdoor learning and enjoyment, while also supporting education around climate change and encouraging more wildlife into the school grounds for study and observation.
One area includes a small hazel coppice, which in time will allow pupils to harvest sustainable materials for woodcraft and practical activities, and a clearing set aside for a forest school-style seating area - a perfect setting for group learning and reflection.
Leading into the woodland, a new avenue of blossom trees has been planted to create a beautiful, seasonal link between the school’s sports court and the woodland edge.
The trees will play a vital role in transforming the way both staff and pupils use the school grounds. The developing woodland will offer a welcoming, creative space that supports outdoor learning across the curriculum, provides opportunities for exploration and environmental stewardship.
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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.
