Free tree planting support for schools across Cheshire

Pupils from schools across Cheshire and Merseyside will have more access to nature thanks to tree planting projects funded through The Mersey Forest.

The Mersey Forest is the area’s Community Forest, bringing trees and people together to create healthy, inspiring resilient places for communities and nature to live, side by side.

This year they have supported seven schools in the area to add 950 trees to their sites, with many pupils getting involved in the planting and learning more about the benefit of trees for both people and wildlife.

The Mersey Forest team are now planning ahead for the next planting season and are asking schools interested in planting trees on their sites to express an interest in receiving funding and support for their project.

The Mersey Forest can support schools to incorporate trees or hedgerows on their school grounds, with woodland creation grants that cover up to 100% of the planting cost and 15 years support for the maintenance of the trees. The team’s Community Forester will also be on hand to guide schools through the planning, funding and planting process, providing advice on species selection and ongoing maintenance.

The offer is open to all schools across Merseyside and Cheshire, but the team are particularly looking to support schools that have low tree numbers or limited access to trees on their site.

Dave Armson, Community Forester at The Mersey Forest, said:

“Adding more green space to your school can create a fantastic outdoor learning space for your pupils to enjoy throughout the seasons. Research shows that learning outdoors helps to increase pupils’ physical activity, reduce stress and anxiety and have a positive impact on student’s behaviour. Any subject can incorporate the outdoors into their lessons, providing a versatile resource for teachers to use for years to come.”

Tom O’Keefe, Headteacher at Lindow Primary School in Wilmslow, said:

“Working with Mersey Forest was such a fantastic experience for all of our children. The woodland space was carefully designed and trees were ordered. The highlight was the planting. Each child in school planted a tree in our new woodland area, creating their own piece of history here at Lindow. A memorable day for all involved. As the trees grow we plan to develop our use of the woodland area and outdoor classroom space by bringing curriculum lessons outside to enrich learning and enhancing out curriculum offer.”

Get in touch

Spaces are limited for this coming planting season, which runs from November through to March. Schools are encouraged to get in contact before Friday, 12 July 2024 to express an interest in planting with The Mersey Forest.

Email: 

mail@merseyforest.org.uk

Visit:

http://www.merseyforest.org.uk

Pictured - Pupils from Lindow Primary helping to plant trees.