St Philip’s Primary School in Bath has embarked on an action-packed conservation afternoon, planting 300 new trees in the school’s field. Through a generous donation from The Woodland Trust, the UK’s largest conservation charity, all 278 school children had the opportunity to contribute to this lasting legacy at St Philip’s.
Every child at St Philip’s planted their own sapling, with the staff and Headteacher Andy Joy also being fully involved, allowing them all to understand more about nature and the importance of trees. The saplings planted included hawthorn, hazel, crab apple, birch, rowan, wild cherry, holly, oak and willow – all carefully chosen as they are commonly found in the area.
St Philip’s ‘Eco Warriors’ led the way with this recent initiative. They are a group of passionate students, led by Mrs Franklin-Adams who teaches Year 3 and Year 4 classes. The Eco Warriors were excellent role models and truly inspirational during the event: handing out saplings; helping younger children with planting; sharing homemade leaf-shaped biscuits made by teacher Liv Norgan; and coordinating litter-picking and scavenger hunts during the day.
This year the team has also reduced school energy usage, introduced ways to recycle used stationery, challenged local refuse collectors on recycling practices, and litter-picked in local areas.
Keen Eco Warriors, Berry and Kieron, took the initiative in leading the younger children during the day’s event. “We enjoyed helping the younger ones and it was relaxing planting the trees,” they commented. “It really brought everyone together for a good cause.”
House Captain Emi explained, “I really enjoyed planting our trees and I can’t wait to see how they grow in the future.”
Whilst House Captain Anastasia added, “It was a really nice day and helped me feel closer to nature.”
Reflecting on the profound impact of the initiative, Liv Morgan, the driving force behind the event, alongside the Eco Warriors and Mrs Franklin-Adams, commented, “We all felt like we were part of something special in creating a long-lasting legacy and making St Philip’s future even brighter. It is exciting to imagine children of the future running around, climbing and learning about the native species of tree we planted.”
Headteacher Andy Joy echoed this sentiment, emphasising the transformative power of collective action in shaping a sustainable future. “When The Woodland Trust reached out to St Philip’s we were delighted to seize this golden opportunity,” he said. “Thanks to their generous donation, each child at St Philip’s was able to plant a tree around the perimeter of our school field. In doing so, they invested in both our community and our planet. Everyone can make a difference, and our children were excited to play their part for the environment.”
St Philip’s remains steadfast in its commitment to nurturing responsible global citizens and exemplifying how this kind of event, driven by youthful enthusiasm and guided by dedicated mentors, can effect positive change for generations to come.