Green rewards with the Green Tree Schools Award - Woodland Trust

The first school to take part in a groundbreaking national environmental award scheme which has inspired more than two million children, has praised its transformative impact and urged other schools to take part.

The Green Tree Schools Award, run by the Woodland Trust, celebrated its 15-year anniversary last year, and has now seen more than a third of all UK schools join and learn about woods, wildlife, nature and the environment in a fun and practical way.

Market Harborough C of E Academy in Leicestershire signed up to the UK’s largest conservation charity’s inspirational scheme in 2008 and – like thousands of other schools – started completing simple green activities, such as nature walks, tree-planting and recycling to gain points and earn bronze, silver and gold awards.

The journey doesn’t stop at the top of the “Olympic” podium, with the prestigious platinum award completing the journey following a golden performance.

And there’s no better time to join the fun than during National Tree Week, which is on from now until Sunday, 1 December.

Teacher Nick Bradley said the Woodland Trust’s Green Tree School Award has been “fantastic” on so many levels, including getting children involved in nature and doing wonders for their mental health.

“The benefits for the children are never ending,” he added. “They learn leaderships skills, gain confidence, find freedom and fun in nature, and find bugs! It gets them out of the classroom and interested in the environment and the world around them.”