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 Simple Life Homes, 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, Simple Life Homes has now supported tree planting in 4 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, Simple Life Homes is helping to equip children with environmental understanding while transforming school grounds into nature-rich places for communities to enjoy.
St Barnabas Church of England School teaches students from age 5-7. The school prides itself on its inclusive, nurturing approach to education and aims to promote a supportive environment for students. Student's education expands beyond the classroom, with pupils visiting local parks, shops, churches and businesses to enrich their learning and understanding, whilst engaging with the community.
A mixed-species hedge was planted along the playground fence to give students more privacy from the neighbouring public park. The new planting also visually enhances the area, creating a greener, more inviting environment for the children. In addition, the hedge provides a valuable corridor for wildlife, attracting birds, insects and other species, while offering students the chance to engage with nature as part of their outdoor learning. Pupils enjoyed planting the trees, digging in the soil, and taking pride in the knowledge that they contributed to a lasting improvement in their school grounds.
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.
