In November ’24 our school applied for the Young Tree Champions project run by the Tree Council - a programme supported by the Mayor of London, bringing children closer to nature. 

We are proud to say that our application was successful. The Young Tree Champions project involves delivering a minimum of four tree-related activities over the school year. We are also the lucky recipients of 5 container fruit trees and hedgerows which today were planted in the Edible Playground.

The day began with the children in Year 4 and the Eco team taking part in a “Force for Nature Challenge Day”, starting with an educational workshop, followed by a mapping activity, getting to know what and where nature is in our school. It was then time for the The Eco team to gather together and talk about Force of Nature careers and the skills, abilities and resources they would need should they choose a career in planting and discovering the wonder of trees. The children split into groups and chose between mapping officers, tree ambassadors and school gardeners. They came up with some brilliant ideas about the habitats they could create within the school grounds (building a pond was a popular choice!) and connecting the school and community with trees and nature.

In the afternoon, it was time to plant the trees and hedges. Equipped with gardening gloves, spades and safety advice, the children started planting the trees. The British weather stopped us from finishing our project today, but we will be back tomorrow! In a few short years, our garden will become a green oasis, helping future generations of children connect to nature.