Bringing learning to life in classier classrooms
An estimated 60,000 children will plant “living classrooms” in the grounds of 1,000 UK primary schools in November as part of Tree For All.
The Woodland Trust, the UK’s leading woodland conservation charity, offered 1,000 “Hedge and Copse Packs” to primary schools for autumn planting. All the packs have been snapped up. The autumn packs, which contain 30 small native trees, will be sent out to the schools in advance of the Tree For All Weekend (18 – 23 November) during which thousands of trees will be planted at sites all over the UK.
Planting of hedges and copses will give school children “living classrooms” which they will learn from and enjoy for years to come. Planting and using a hedge or hazel copse can contribute to Key Stage 2 in science, numeracy, literacy and art and design. Since the middle of the 20th Century, 190,000 km of hedgerow has been destroyed, loosing an important wildlife habitat.
Celebrity supporter Ray Mears realises the importance of giving something back to the planet. He says: “This will encourage children to get out in the fresh air and plant trees and hedges that will grow and provide homes for animals, insects and birds. We need a new generation to grow up and love nature, to care about its future and act on its behalf."
With care and attention, the trees planted this November will be growing on well
into the next century – when the children’s grandchildren will be able to inspect their handiwork.
Each hedge and hazel copse pack has instructions on how to plant and care for the trees, worksheets to help children learn about the trees they are planting and teacher’s notes on the exercises.
All 1,000 Hedge and Copse packs for autumn have been snapped by schools but there are still packs available for spring planting. Interested schools should contact the Woodland Trust before 31 December 2004. For more information please visit www.woodland-trust.org.uk/hedge
The Woodland Trust’s Tree For All campaign is encouraging people all over the UK to plant trees. For further information about planting events in your area please visit www.treeforall.org.uk/GetDigging
