Hundreds of trees have been planted by children as part of a project to create a pocket of woodland in a primary school’s grounds.

Staff and pupils at St Gregory’s Primary School in Woodfield Road, Ealing, all helped plant species including sweet chestnut, alder and hazel saplings at a special ‘Tiny Forest’ planting ceremony on Friday (31 January).

They were joined by Councillor Paul Driscoll, Ealing Council’s cabinet member for climate action, and Councillor Josh Blacker, the council’s cabinet member for a fairer start.

A Tiny Forest is a dense, fast growing native woodland of around 600 trees planted in an area the size of a tennis court. Trees are the lungs of the world and the aim of adding tiny forests is to reduce the impacts of climate change by helping to clean the air, while also creating new and rich habitats for wildlife like birds and insects and improving drainage. In this case, St Gregory’s staff also intend to use it to study the natural world and increase pupils’ awareness of the importance to us all of protecting it.

The Tiny Forest initiative is run by Earthwatch, an independent research organisation. And this new one at St Gregory’s has happened with its help, along with funding from the council and, of course, the hard work of staff and children.

Craig Ross, headteacher at St Gregory’s, said: “It will not only enrich our school environment but also strengthen our sense of community as we work and learn together as a family.

“This project is a wonderful opportunity for our pupils, staff and local community to connect with nature and collaborate on creating a greener, more sustainable future.”

Around 30,000 new trees and saplings have been planted in the borough since 2023 as part of the council’s biodiversity action plan to increase tree canopy cover in the borough.

‘Creating healthy habits’

Councillor Driscoll said: “The Tiny Forest is an excellent example of schools playing their part in taking a step towards a greener, healthier future.

“Making children aware of the importance of creating a sustainable, green environment is pivotal to creating healthy habits in our future generations.”

Councillor Blacker added: “Through the Tiny Forest project, children will draw on their teamworking skills to create and nurture this green haven, while creating a peaceful place for learning. It provides an innovative educational resource which I believe will benefit both the children, and our planet.

“It was lovely to see the children so excited about planting their trees and eager to learn about how they will grow over the years.”

Award winners

The children at St Gregory’s are no strangers to planting and learning how to grow things. The after-school gardening club is a popular choice for pupils and a chance, particularly for those without a garden or outdoor space at home, to enjoy finding out more about the environment, and where food comes from.

The school also scooped first prize in the school’s category, in last year’s Biodiverse Front Gardens and Balconies competition.