LAUREL Avenue Community Primary School has been awarded a gold award by the Woodland Trust for getting involved in green activities including tree planting, visiting a local woodland, and contributed to recycling.

The Green Tree Schools initiative, which has seen almost 10,000 schools sign up since it was launched in 2008 offers the opportunity to bring the great outdoors, wildlife and green issues into the classroom.

Laurel Avenue Community Primary has planted new trees in their school grounds and visited local woods. Children have joined in various other Woodland Trust activities including a woodland treasure hunt, ‘Clue and Poo’ spotting, ‘tea with a tree’ and created canvas art of woodland drawings.

Claire Linfoot from school said: “Our school has planted over 30 trees within our grounds, as well as the economic gain we are reaping the communal benefits. Children and teachers are extremely proud to receive this award.”

Karen Letten, Woodland Trust schools and communities engagement manager, said: “The scheme promotes a range of opportunities, each designed to stimulate a child’s imagination and sustain their interest in woods and trees. The achievements of the school are recognised through an awards scheme in which they receive points for taking part in activities. As they reach milestones within the project they will receive bronze, silver and finally an attractive wooden plaque which acknowledges they’ve achieved the environmental accolade of a gold award.”

The Woodland Trust’s vision is a UK rich in woods and trees, enjoyed by everyone. The charity is dedicated to creating new woodland with help from communities and schools, and protecting and restoring ancient woodland for future generations to cherish.

The Green Tree Schools Award is free for schools to take part in, and during 2018 the Woodland Trust is also offering free packs of trees to schools. Find out how your school can get involved at woodlandtrust.org.uk/schools