We’re a not-for-profit organisation working to give more children in South Yorkshire and beyond the opportunity to get outdoors and interact with nature, such as by planting a tree – or a few!
At the start of 2020 we, a small group of (tired!) mums, set out to do something practical with our families, to help tackle the climate and biodiversity crises by helping nature on our doorstep.
We knew we’d hit on something when our first tree planting event was attended by over 120 people of all ages – from toddlers to grandparents! Covid stopped us in our tracks for a while but as soon as we could, we got back out there planting trees with various groups across Sheffield and the surrounding area. We started working with schools to improve their outside spaces to benefit nature and the wellbeing of pupils (and staff too).
We’re proud of what we’ve achieved so far and very excited about our plans for the years ahead, now we’re established as a social enterprise.
Our Green School Programme
What is the Green School programme?
A programme of events that gives primary schools a chance to improve their field or playground for the wellbeing of pupils, staff and wildlife. With lots of learning, creativity and fun along the way! It includes:
*. Our energising ‘Be a Tree’ assembly
*. Ideas and design sessions in class
*. Outdoor nature exploration sessions
*. Tree planting and other practical outdoor experiences
*. Support with fundraising for projects, if needed
*. Creation or development of a nature friendly area
*. Follow up visits to help schools look after their green space
Why are we doing it?
We want to give more children aged under 11 easy access to nature by working with schools that meet one or more of our selection criteria (see below). We also want to give kids a say on the outdoor spaces where they play or spend time. We want to empower them by giving them the skills and knowledge to create and look after their new space.
How does it work?
Our experts deliver special assemblies to inspire pupils to think more imaginatively about their interactions with nature. We lead workshops where the children and staff can share their ideas for what they’d like to see in a new green space at their school. We then help to bring their amazing ideas to life.
Who’s eligible?
To be eligible for our free Green School programme, a school must be located in South Yorkshire and meet one or more of the following selection criteria:
*. Located in a high area of deprivation according to Index of Multiple Deprivation
*. School grounds consisting of a concrete playground, with little to no green space
*. Close proximity to busy roads
*. Higher than average number of children on Pupil Premium, with special educational needs (SEN) or English as Additional Language
How do we measure impact?
We gather qualitative and quantitative research from pupils and staff at schools at the start of the programme and again towards the end of the programme. We do this in an imaginative way, with fun feedback sheets and carrying out impact events in the spaces we help them create.
How much does it cost the school?
Our basic Green School programme costs £1,800. However, we aim to provide our services free of charge to eligible schools up to the point of creation of the new space, regardless of whether the school is Local Authority or part of an Academy Trust. Where no available budget is available from the school to deliver the project, we will provide fundraising support to raise the target amount required. Each project cost will vary depending on the scope and design of the space available.
What if a school isn’t eligible for the free programme?
We are open to working with any school in Sheffield or the surrounding area, if the school is able to cover the cost of the basic programme (£1,800) plus any additional elements required and is able to raise funds for project delivery if not already available from school budget.
We work with businesses and organisations, including community groups and local authorities, to bring children and families together to create or improve their local green space, to enhance their lives and give nature a helping hand. Whether we create a wild play area or plant a community orchard, we do it with and for the people who use the space.
To date, we’ve planted over 6000 trees and improved 5 public spaces for the benefit of nature and people. We aim to provide ongoing opportunities for children and their families to spend time outside, build a connection with nature, and do something practical to help wildlife on their doorstep. In 2022, we launched our Green Community package for businesses with land they want to improve for nature and the local community, such as those in the construction and land development sector.
Our Green Community Package
What is the Green Community package?
A package of services and events that gives businesses and other organisations a chance to improve their community’s green space for the wellbeing of people who use it and local wildlife. It normally includes:
*. A site visit to discuss the project
*. Consultation event to give members of the community a say
*. Proposal and designs for the space, based on previous consultation
*. Project delivery events with community involvement, e.g. tree planting days
*. Follow up visits to help the community look after their green space
*. Impact measurement for corporate social responsibility (CSR)
When you buy our Green Community package, you enable us to provide our Green School programme for free at a school who really needs our help.
Why are we doing it?
We want to give more children and families easy access to nature by helping communities to create or improve green space on their doorstep. We want to give kids a say on the outdoor spaces where they play or spend time. We also want to empower them by giving them the skills and knowledge to create and look after their green space.
How does it work?
Our experts deliver consultation events to give children (and their grown-ups) a chance to express what they want and need from their local green space, and how it can benefit wildlife. We then help to bring their amazing ideas to life.
Who’s it for?
This service is primarily aimed at businesses that are responsible for a particular community – such as home builders and land regeneration companies. However, we also welcome enquiries from community groups, local authorities and other organisations.
How do we measure impact?
We gather qualitative and quantitative research from people in the community at the start of the project and again once the community has had time to get to know and use their new or improved green space. We do this in an imaginative way, with fun feedback methods and carrying out impact events in the spaces we help them create.
How much does it cost?
Our basic Green Community package starts at £4,000, up to the point of creation/development of the green space. Each project cost will vary depending on the scope and design of the space available. For community groups and other not-for-profit organisations, we can support you to find funding to cover the cost of the package and project delivery.
If you would like to get involved or just want to find out more, please email us at admin@kidsplanttrees.org
Tree Weaver 