eco school gloucestershire — Shared School Woodland

The last two years have taught us a great deal of things. Mostly, that we are not invincible and that our very comfortable way of life can unravel remarkably quickly. It would be fair to say we have all been left reeling from the effects of COVID-19, which has challenged our normal perceptions and uprooted our whole way of life.

Yet, while we clapped, cried and drank our way through the pandemic, it has been the trees, I think, that have shown the most patience. Not just any group of trees either, but specifically three hundred little saplings that we acquired from the Woodland Trust back in the Winter of 2020. Two years on and those little trees were still waiting to be rooted permanently into the ground. While the world was going crazy, those little guys waited.

For those of you not familiar with the Shared School Woodland Project, here’s a quick recap. Led by Oakridge School, the concept for the scheme came about by accident. The original intention for the trees was to use them to plant a hedge on Oakridge School’s allotment, however the local parish council refused. With three hundred saplings going spare we needed to come up with a Plan B. That’s when the idea came about to try and find a piece of land on which to plant a new woodland, and not just any woodland, a community woodland that could be shared by a number of different schools from the local area and used for outdoor learning to help encourage environmental education and teach a large number of children about the importance of caring for the natural world and the benefits of doing so.

It was at a tree conference at the Stroud Council Chambers where we got a lead that a landowner over in Chalford might be interested in helping. That’s when we met the wonderful Annie Kleiner. She had a parcel of land on Coppice Hill going spare. It was just scrub land, nestled between two portions of established woodland with streams criss crossing over, but it was perfect. Situated opposite Dimmel’s Dale, what is now a Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust nature reserve, the new woodland is going to help to reconnect existing woodland, filling gaps and creating a wildlife corridor that will play its part in local conservation.

An image of the site before planting shows a baron piece of scrub land

The newly planted saplings, protected in their tree guards, resemble an army of green soldiers

Much went into organising the tree planting event and persuading local schools to come on board. Working in conjunction with Thomas Keble, a popular secondary school near Stroud, the idea was to target the primary schools that feed into it in the hope that an army of environmental enthusiasts would be created and that enthusiasm developed further as the children moved onto Thomas Keble. Primary schools that signed up to the project included project leader Oakridge, plus Brimscombe, Rodborough, Thrupp, Minchinhampton, Bisley and Chalford Hill.

There was much excitement and momentum was really building. A family day was held to prepare the site for planting with lots of activities taking place including ground clearance, removing broken fencing and marking out where the trees would go. However, there was a menacing shadow lurking in the background and just a week before tree planting was meant to go ahead COVID struck and the whole country was plunged into lockdown. It was hugely disappointing. The project was put on hold indefinitely and the trees were temporarily planted and cared for by volunteers. As lockdown eased and normality was dangled in front of our noses we hoped to resume planting in November 2020, sadly though those plans were thwarted by another lockdown, which carried right through into January and beyond. While the pandemic raged, naturally, people’s priorities shifted and no one had time for trees.

Fast forward to Spring 2022 and the trees time has finally come - hurrah! Out of the original eight schools involved in the project, four were able to attend last week’s tree planting event - Oakridge, Rodborough, Chalford Hill and Thomas Keble. It was disappointing about the schools that couldn’t attend, but a lot has happened in two years and many are still on the back foot playing catch up. Some have new head teachers, while others are still suffering from staff shortages. Everyone is in a totally different place in their lives, it’s inevitable that focus shifts and priorities change but the fact we’ve stuck at it is down to the commitment and determination of all those involved. There is no denying it has been challenging to keep the momentum going with this project, but the fact that we have, made it all the more satisfying when we were finally able to welcome classes of school children to site last week.

It was really fantastic to see all the different children from all the different schools coming together to plant trees for the better good of themselves, their families and the wider community as a whole. Tuesday was our busiest day, with classes from both Rodborough and Chalford Hill attending. On Wednesday we welcomed Oakridge School and on Friday afternoon some year 11’s from the horticultural department at Thomas Keble came to help. We had a lovely variety of ages ranging from 5 through to 16 years old. Every different year group took something different away from the experience.

Horticulture students from Thomas Keble School

On arrival, children were asked to make their way over to the rustic seating area where they were given a demonstration on how to plant the trees. They would first need to organise themselves into small groups and then collect all the items they would need - a spade, a mulch mat, a tree guard, five pegs, a stake and a tree. They then ran off to pick a cane, the marker for where they would plant their tree.

Once they had chosen a cane, their first task was to dig a hole. The children all took it in turns to have a go at this job, with the younger ones helping each other and the older ones just getting stuck in.

Next, the children gently placed the little sapling into the hole. Again, there was much enthusiasm to do this job but by taking it in turn and waiting patiently everyone was able to have a go.

The next task was to water the tree using a small bottle which the children filled up from the stream. The older ones helped the younger ones, and yes, there were a few soggy feet by the end of the morning!

Despite a few wet toes, the saplings appreciated the drink. It was lovely to see how gentle the children were with the trees, and how very obliging they were in wanting to help each other with all the different tasks.

Next the mulch mat was laid down around the base of the tree, done so to prevent competition from the very vigorous brambles.

Using rubber mallets, the children tapped in biodegradable pegs to secure the mulch mat to the ground.

The task that perhaps many of the children enjoyed the most was bashing the stake into the ground using the post basher! It’s a pretty weighty tool that few youngsters have ever had the opportunity to use. The slight element of danger added to its appeal. Even the bigger kids needed to lend their mates a hand…

…while the younger ones had help from adults…

…and when the post basher was busy being used by someone else, others just used their initiative and bashed the stake in using the back of a spade. A great lesson in trust, particularly if you’re the lad holding the stake.

It was heart warming to see parents working alongside each other to help the younger ones perform the jobs asked of them. Its what makes this whole community so special and encapsulates the very reason for creating this shared woodland in the first place.

Once the stake was firmly in and the mulch mat pegged down, the final job was to slip a tree guard over. The tree guards all came flat packed so the children enjoyed trying to reform the pliable mesh back into a cuboid, proving how outdoor learning can cover every subject in the National Curriculum.

Planting the trees gave a real sense of achievement. The fresh air and exercise stimulated happy brain cells, and the added incentive of planting the odd tree or two generated a really positive mindset in everyone. None of the children wanted to leave, but when they did, they were all buzzing.

The children were extremely proud of the trees they planted. There was stiff competition between some groups to see who could plant the most trees in a single hour, (six was the best one group managed) and some children even named the trees they planted. One girl wanted to plant a Rowan tree because her baby brother is called Rowan.

Another group of year 1 pupils also from Rodborough School

Providing children with the opportunity to get outside, get some fresh air and get their fingers dirty couldn’t have come at a better time when lots of these youngsters have been isolated from their usual friendship groups. For the very little ones, they will have spent half their lives in lockdown.

I’m not going to bang on about how children’s mental health has been affected over the last two years, but there were obvious issues being addressed by taking part in this activity that will go a long way in helping to ease some of the difficulties that many children may now be facing as a result of the pandemic, and more recently, the terrible tragedy unfolding in Ukraine. The news would have us believe there is no joy left in the world, but projects like this tell a different story.

Not all the trees made it into the ground, so they will be cared for over the Summer and planting will resume in the Winter, when we hope to invite those schools who wanted to come and plant but for whatever reason weren’t able to attend last week’s event.

This is only the beginning for the Shared School Woodland Project. It has been made clear to everyone involved and to all the families associated with the schools who have taken part that this is a space for them to use whenever they want to. Be it for school field trips, family picnics or to walk the dog. The shared woodland is for everyone to enjoy. May smiles and laughter bless the trees on their journey of growth and may the trees continue to support the children on their learning journey.

Our end goal has never wavered. Our objective has always been to get more kids outside caring about the natural world. To make sure they know that they have an important role to play in the fight against climate change and to ensure they understand the things they can do help. We want children to have more opportunities to be taught about environmental education and this woodland will help to make sure that happens.

From The Ground has gone underground this past month, so busy have we been planning an exciting new project for the children: we’re going to plant a new wood. The Shared School Woodland Scheme is all about bringing schools together, building new woodlands and planting a better future.

This week marks National Tree Week. First launched in 1975, it is the UK’a largest annual tree celebration. it marks the start of the winter tree planting season. Organised by the Tree Council, National Tree Week is a great chance for communities and schools to do something positive for their local treescape, and that’s exactly what From The Ground intends to do.

With momentum behind us from our school allotment project at Oakridge, we’re taking our enthusiasm to the wider community to get more kids outside growing and caring about their environment. Our new project is bigger and more challenging than ever before. It’s going to be an uphill climb, but as is often the way, the harder the climb, the greater the rewards. We’ve no doubt that what’s at the top will be well worth the effort.

The new wood will provide a space for groups of children from different schools to meet, talk and share ideas. It will represent one mind, one purpose and one common thought. It will act as a nucleus where individual schools can act as a collective whole and do something for the better good of the environment, as well as making a valid contribution to the local community. The work these schools do within the environmental curriculum will enable a larger community to evolve. Everyone who is a part of that community will feel the full support and mutual benefits of it.

The Shared School Woodland Scheme is being run in conjunction with Thomas Keble Secondary School and Stroud based environmental group, Earth Protectors. More information about what the Earth Protectors do can be found here, https://www.stopecocide.earth. Stroud has become the UK's first Earth Protector town and they plan to roll out a new scheme to create Earth Protector schools. The Shared School Woodland will form part of that initiative and contribute towards achieving Earth Protector school status. It’s a really exciting partnership.

Thomas Keble is one of Stroud’s most popular secondary schools and many local primary schools fall within its catchment area. The plan is to approach those primary schools, inviting them to be a part of the Shared School Woodland Scheme. The hope is that the children who plant the wood together will continue to learn together as they progress through both schools. As the trees grow, so will their friendships. It will give context, understanding and insight into how relationships change over time. Trees do a good job at giving perspective. Currently Oakridge, Minchinhampton, Brimscombe, Thrupp and Christchurch Chalford are all on board. It’s really exciting to talk to these schools and hear their enthusiasm for the project. Ultimately, it’s the children who will benefit. Other schools that have been approached include Bisley, Chalford Hill, Stroud Valley, Seven View, Rodborough, Amberley and Eastcombe.

Oakridge School recently received their free trees for schools from The Woodland Trust and it is these saplings that will be planted in the new wood. The varieties were chosen with the children in mind. There is a lovely combination of working wood, such as willow and hazel, some fruit producing varieties, from which the children can make their own jams and jellies, and some wildlife rich varieties such as blackthorn, silver birch and common oak. Not all will be suitable for the site, but with careful consideration, many will have a purpose to ensure the woodland thrives and ultimately takes off.

The original plan had been to plant the saplings on the allotment. However, when we ordered the trees we were unaware of the restrictions in place on the allotment plot in Oakridge. This was a bit of an oversight, however, we’re not easily deterred and so we decided to find an alternative site. It’s worked out very well. The scale of the project has increased ten told. We’re on the verge of creating something very special.

After many months of enquiries, it was at a tree seminar held at the Council Chambers in Stroud where From The Ground was given a lead about a local land owner who might have a suitable field. After an initial meeting on site, everyone soon discovered they were of the same mindset. Plans are really starting to come together. Here’s a shot of the team, comprising of the land owner, landscape architect and myself. We’re a determined bunch of ladies, a bit like the three musketeers, but fighting for a much worthier cause.

The area of land designated for planting can be seen in the photograph below. It’s currently scrubland covered in a thick carpet of brambles. What’s really advantageous about the proposed site is that it sits between existing woodland. Everyone talks about planting new trees, but it’s not just about sticking any old tree in the ground. It’s important to choose the right variety. It’s also important to integrate the new trees into existing woodland so as to create something seamless and natural. The site lends itself very well to this. It’s pretty fantastic stuff.

The site is peaceful, unspoilt and idyllic. I took a few moments recently to sit at the top and take in the view. It’s a very special place. The birds sore, the clouds dance and the trees wave. It’s the definition of tranquility. To think that it might provide a unifying space for children to come together and learn together, to be friends together, it’s a great feeling. Predominantly south facing, the land gently slopes away to the west. A really huge thank you to the landowner for being so open minded about our idea and so supportive of the vision that we have. Projects like this only get out of the ground if there are a bunch of like minded individuals who possess tenacity, enthusiasm and aren’t afraid of a bit of red tape. If there were more people in the world who had conviction there would probably be a lot more trees getting planted. One should never be afraid to go after what they believe in.

Sometimes in life fate feels like it plays its hand and this couldn’t be more true than in this instance. There is a beautiful old oak at the top of the site. It’s a lovely nod to Oakridge School, the seed from which the idea for this wood has ultimately grown. When something feels like it was meant to be, often that’s because it is. It is no coincidence that this beautiful big oak tree sits right in the middle of the plot, arching its great wooden back protectively over the land that stretches out before it. Its branches reach out with a big hug for all who tread near it. No doubt it will offer shelter when it rains, shade when it’s sunny and solace for any soul who might need it. It’s a beauty. This oak is a sign. One feels positive things are going to be achieved here.

From a practical point of view, access to the site is great. It’s just a short, flat stroll along well maintained footpaths. It’s very easy for groups of children. There is parking on the lane where the footpath starts and a car park a little further up the hill.

The site is only a five minute drive from Oakridge School and no more than a ten minute drive from any of the other schools involved in the scheme. It’s extremely well placed. Going forward, once the woodland has been planted, the hope is that the children can return to the site to help manage it and enjoy further outdoor learning opportunities.

Katy Craine, a landscape architect, kindly drafted the below plans of the site. They will support the tree survey that is due to be carried out in the new year. The tree survey will identify what trees already exist and which trees are considered to be dangerous. It will help with the planting scheme for the new trees to ensure they compliment the existing woodland that currently flanks each side of the site.

Going forward, the next steps are very exciting. We will continue to rally local schools to try and bring more on board. The tree survey is being carried out in early January. From this we will be able to work out numbers and species of new saplings. A fundraising campaign is also due to be launched in January. This will be a joint campaign raising money on behalf of all the schools involved in the project. The money will pay for tool packages for each of the schools, any additional tree guards and supports, mulch matting, tree felling and possibly more willow to create a living willow learning dome. The landowner is taking on the daunting task of clearing the land of brambles, which is due to be completed by February. Come the end of March the area will be ready for planting. At this point, tree planting sessions will be organised and the children will be invited to come and plant the trees.

I really can’t think of a better way to celebrate National Tree Week than with the launch of our new tree planting project. Ultimately, it will be the children who benefit the most. They are the reason why we do this after all. From The Ground has great passion and commitment to ensuring that all children feel the full benefits of being outside, surrounded by nature. If they aren’t taught about why it’s important to look after the world around them, and if they don’t understand how to look after it, then who’s going to care? We want the new woodland to give our children the opportunity to plant a better future for themselves. There’s no greater lesson than that.