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.
Pupils at Grace College took part in tree planting project to help improve the school environment and support local biodiversity. Working together, they rose to the challenge of planting a long stretch of mixed native hedge along the edge of the sports field, helping to create a natural barrier between the grounds and the East Coast Mainline railway. The hedge will not only provide much-needed screening but will also serve as an important wildlife corridor, offering food and shelter for a wide range of species.
In addition to the hedge, a row of Rowan trees was planted near the main school building. Chosen for their attractive blossom and vibrant berries, these trees will brighten the school grounds while offering further habitat for birds and pollinators.
The planting was made possible through the support of GTUK and Riello UPS, who funded the first 100 trees, and will be extended further with 80 additional trees funded by Gateshead Council, as part of the college’s broader vision for greening the site.
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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.
