On a cold and bright day back in December, Thames Chase volunteers worked alongside the children and staff of Ardleigh Green School to plant 8 standard trees and a vibrant willow hedge to enhance their school grounds for wildlife and outdoor learning. This has been made possible by the Trees for Climate grant.
The children who were all very keen to get involved, helped with the whole process from digging the holes to planting the trees in the ground. The process included lots of fantastic learning and using practical skills too. It was important to ensure the hole was the right size to fit each tree's roots, compost was added before planting to add additional nutrients to the soil. The children helped to lower the trees into the ground, covering the roots with soil, a stake to support the tree and finally mulch to help the tree retain moisture. The species planted included Hornbeam, Silver Birch, and Alder.
The willow hedge was planted with Key Stage 1 children and creates a natural, living boundary to their Forest School area. The 65 willow stems were 4 different colours; red, yellow, green and orange. The children helped to dig a trench and then pushed the stems vertically into the ground. The children checked the direction of the buds to make sure the stems were planted the right way. Plenty of worms were found and the children enjoyed looking at them closely and giving them names. The trench was then filled with soil using trowels and covered with mulch. The stems are supported with canes and guards to protect them as they get established. The children did a fantastic job and will be able to watch their newly planted trees change with the seasons and grow over the years ahead.
The trees planted have created new areas of the school grounds to be used for Forest School and outdoor learning, further enhancing the holistic approach to outdoor learning adopted by the school.
Becky Gibson, Programmes Manager said “It was a pleasure to work with the children and volunteers on this fantastic tree planting day. The children used a range of different tools from spades to wheelbarrows used a range of practical and theoretical skills and really got involved with the whole process giving them a real sense of ownership and an experience they never forget”
The children understand the importance of taking care of the young trees they have planted. They will soon observe buds and leaves appearing on the trees and be able to help with watering in the warmer months. As well as providing a great learning resource the school is committed to increase biodiversity on their grounds and make a positive contribution to tackling climate change.
Thames Chase have worked closely with the school since 2022 to help develop and enhance their outdoor play resources. Jo Dungate, Chair, Ardleigh Green Schools Parents Association says: “With the help of Thames Chase Conservation Volunteers alongside us the whole way, in 2024 we started and completed the full development of our field. Alongside the natural play areas, play structures were installed, a tyre mountain was built, a sand pit was made, and a mud kitchen was delivered. Our field can get extremely waterlogged so to mitigate this Becky Gibson suggested planting willow and standard trees in certain areas of the field to help soak some of this water up. In December, with the help of our student ambassadors, we planted 8 standard trees and a willow hedge, slotting the final piece into our outdoor learning area puzzle. Our field is now such an exciting place for the students to explore, discover, learn and play. It’s amazing to watch how the children interact with the different elements, giving them the freedom and independence to make their own play choices. We have spoken to them about habitats, caring for trees, plants and wildlife. You can see through their play choices that they are respectful of all of these, full of excitement at the sight of a worm and safely moving it to a place away from harm. We are so thankful to Thames Chase Trust and the conservation volunteers for joining us on this journey from their input on ideas to the days we have spent on site cutting, digging, and moving topsoil. Thanks also to all the funders who have made this possible”.
The day provided a lasting memory for the children, therefore it is fitting to leave the last word with them: “It was fascinating to learn all the different reasons we need trees—from the air we breathe, the homes they provide for animals and the fruits they give us to eat”.
Provided by Thames Chase Trust Photography by Mark Massey
