Students planted a brand new woodland copse in the school grounds, thanks to trees donated by the Woodland Trust. Extra planting is one component of the school’s Sustainability Plan, aimed at reducing the school’s carbon footprint. The geography department and Environmental Club led the initiative as part of the school’s wider sustainability scheme.

This is just one of a range of measures we are taking to reduce our environmental impact. Over recent years, we have installed solar panels on rooftops, replaced inefficient boilers and single glazed windows, and installed LED lighting throughout much of the building. Bird boxes, bug hotels and sympathetic management of hedgerows has also allowed wildlife to flourish. The school’s new multi-million rebuild programme has many measures that will help reduce the carbon footprint and improve the local environment, such as swift nesting bricks and a wildflower meadow. In addition, the new buildings are designed to be carbon net zero in operation.

“Educating young people goes well beyond the classroom. It is about nurturing the whole child and providing opportunities to enrich their lives through a range of opportunities. The students involved in this tree planting project will be working together to make a long-lasting difference to the environment,” said Hannah Khan, Acting Headteacher at the school. “We hope that initiatives like these might encourage students to take greater care of our planet in years to come.”

Tim Andrews, County Director of the charity Council for the Protection of Rural England (CPRE) Gloucestershire – The Countryside Charity – joined the students to help them understand the planting process. Tim recently appeared on the BBC Gardeners’ World programme to discuss extensive work to restore traditional orchards in and around Gloucestershire. He taught the students about the lasting legacy these trees will provide for the school site, as well as discussions around the impact of greenhouse gases and biodiversity.

Tim added, “It was great to be part of such a positive project. Young people have such energy and a passion to protect and look after their environment. I hope the children feel proud of what they have achieved for many years to come.”