An initiative to teach pupils about the important role that trees play within the environment, has seen 14 schools from Stoke-on-Trent give their local landscape a green makeover. Teaming up with the UK Forestry Commission and the County Council, students planted 500 trees to offset an estimated 3.5 million tonnes of carbon that was created during a recent climate change conference.

‘The Stoke tree planting scheme is a great way for youngsters to get hands-on learning experience of how to look after their natural environment,’ says Simon West, from the Forestry Commission in the West Midlands. ‘The scheme is also helping to make the area a greener, more environmentally-friendly place to live and work in, both now and in the future.’

One of the schools that took part was Burnwood Community School. They be-came Climate Change Champions after winning the Forest Schools’ challenge. Subsequently, they were awarded over £5,000 to help with the development of an outdoor classroom, on land owned by Staffordshire County Council.

A tree nursery, planted at the primary school, involves the local community in its upkeep to discourage any vandalism. ‘Having planted the trees themselves, with the help of some parents, our pupils feel a sense of ownership and pride,’ says teacher Mandy Cheek. ‘The educational and spiritual value of the programme is invaluable. We have a nurture group’, due to the large number of emotionally challenged children in our school. The growing and nurturing of this new life is simply the best therapy available. It’s a terrific resource on the doorstep that can be accessed as often as required.’

Contact: www​.forestry​.gov​.uk/​w​e​s​t​m​i​d​l​a​nds

Photo: © Burnwood Community School / Stoke on Trent City Council