Southend-on-Sea City Council has partnered with the Woodland Trust to promote their ‘Free Trees for Schools’ initiative.
This forms part of our ongoing Clean Air for Schools Project, providing schools with the opportunity to receive a free pack of trees or hedges to plant on their grounds.
Sacred Heart School was identified as being able to benefit from the scheme and have now received their free tree pack. This contribution will help improve the environment around the school whilst providing new opportunities for outdoor learning and allow the pupils to engage with nature.
As part of our support, the council has also provided planters and soil to help Sacred Heart with the planting and care of the trees. We are pleased to continue our commitment to improving air quality and supporting the wellbeing of local children through initiatives like this one.
Several schools participating in the Clean Air for Schools Project were identified as having areas that could benefit from tree planting and have been encouraged to apply for their free tree or hedge pack.
The pupils at Sacred Heart Primary School wanted to express their thoughts on the free trees scheme.
Pupil A said, "I am happy that we can make a difference in our community."
Pupil B added, "It's amazing that we get to do this for our community, but also learn how to grow and take care of the school's own trees."
Pupil C added, "It's not only a fun thing to do, but it's important that we help protect our community with better air quality."
Pupil D said, "In the future, I hope to have a better place and a better world to live in."
Cllr Lydia Hyde, cabinet member for climate, environment and waste, said: "I am so pleased to see Sacred Heart School take advantage of this scheme. Planting these trees will not only improve the local environment and air quality but also provide pupils with a valuable opportunity to connect with nature. It's great to know that the school will have a beautiful, sustainable outdoor space where children can learn and flourish.
"We encourage other schools in the area to explore the benefits of the Woodland Trust’s initiative and apply for their own tree packs. So, we can continue make a positive impact on our environment, the health of our children and our local community."
Steve Shill, woodland trust senior project lead, said: "Planting trees is such a simple action, but the collective impact can make a huge difference to people and the planet. We are so glad that Sacred Heart primary schools has got involved in our ever-popular free trees initiative. Trees help nature, combat flooding, provide shelter and reduce pollution. It's a great way for schoolchildren to learn about the environment and do their bit."
For more information about our clean air for schools project and the woodland trust initiative visit our clean air for schools page.