Tree-mendous effort from Plantation Primary School

Staff and pupils from Plantation Primary School in Knowsley are celebrating the news that they have been selected as one of 80 schools nationally to become ‘Tree Champions’ with the Tree Council. 

The school has been working closely with the Tree Council on its tree champions campaign to help children and young people learn to speak confidently and passionately about the role of trees and also to give teachers the tools and confidence to teach outdoors and share their skills, knowledge with other schools throughout the UK. 

Clare Jones, outdoor provision co-ordinator at Plantation Primary School, said: “The school was lucky enough to be selected as one of 80 pilot schools within the UK for the tree champions campaign. 

“We have been awarded not only trees to plant and a tech pack but we are also lucky enough to gain one of only 20 speakers trust workshops nationally, the closest school to be awarded this great opportunity is one in Manchester – that’s makes us the only school here in Liverpool to be honoured with this! 

Clare continued: “To celebrate the award, we held a daylong workshop in our own nature reserve, as we are very lucky to have this amazing resource. At the end of the workshop, we chose our favourite speech from one of our pupils which was filmed and will be sent to London to be judged in the national final.” 

Headteacher, Mr Hanley said: “I am thrilled that we are involved in this project with Speakers Trust and the Tree Council.  It is a fantastic opportunity for our children to develop and share their love of the natural world.  We have long strived to develop our outdoor provision here at Plantation, and while this has been delayed in some respects by the COVID-19 pandemic we have never lost sight of what we want to achieve and initiatives such as this will help us get the spotlight firmly back on this work at our school.  

“Now, more so than ever, it is important that our young people develop a love for the outdoors. Outdoor space is at a premium and opportunities for children to be outside in fresh air and green spaces is so important for their wellbeing. By providing as much opportunity as possible during their time at school to be out of the classroom in the open spaces of our school grounds, and beyond, our children can really develop a passion for nature and support their mental health. I truly hope, then, that this leads to our children of today being the adults of tomorrow who will help shape a world that works with nature for a brighter future for all.”

Speaking about the day, pupil Eva said: “Everyone was amazing in the afternoon as they were speaking so confidently.” 

Whilst fellow pupil Grace said: “It would be lovely if every class had the opportunity to do one of these workshops.” 

To view the full gallery of photos, click here.