Trees For Schools

Why I Founded Trees for Schools

Trees for Schools began after having spent years working closely with primary schools through our photography business.

The more schools I visit, the more I saw how hard staff work to give children meaningful experiences, often with very limited funding. Outdoor learning, environmental projects and improvements to school grounds can make an enormous difference, but they are often among the first things to be restricted when budgets are stretched.

I wanted to help change that.

Why This Is Personal to Me

As much as I have spent many years denying - I have ADHD. It doesn't define me, nor does it prevent me from succeeding in life (If anything its propelled me further) but as a result I understand that not every child learns best by sitting quietly at a desk.

Some children need to move. They need to explore, touch, build, investigate and experience learning in a practical way. They may need space to let off steam, regulate their emotions or simply take a break from the noise and structure of a classroom.

Outdoor learning can give children those opportunities while also helping them develop confidence, curiosity and a connection with the world around them.

The Education I Wish I Had

I grew up during the 1990s in South East London. I was labelled as a little disruptive but performed well under pressure so my results throughout school were a mixed bag.
I was a practical learner, wanting to get stuck in to how things worked, experiments and creative activities, but tell me to sit & write an essay id be tapping my feet and fidgety no matter how hard I tried.

Looking back, I genuinely believe that I would have enjoyed school life far more if outdoor learning had played a bigger part in my education.
Being outside, learning practically and having the freedom to explore would have suited the way my mind worked. I was curious and energetic, but traditional classroom learning did not always bring out the best in me.

That experience has stayed with me and is one of the reasons I feel so strongly that children should have access to different ways of learning, regardless of their background, their needs or the level of funding available to their school.

Creating Greener School Grounds

Trees for Schools helps schools create greener, more engaging outdoor environments through the planting of native trees.

These spaces can support practical lessons, wildlife projects, imaginative play, quiet reflection and sensory activities. They also give children the chance to learn about biodiversity, sustainability, climate and the importance of caring for nature.

A tree planted today can benefit generations of pupils. It can provide shade, create a habitat for wildlife, improve the appearance of school grounds and become part of lessons and memories for many years to come.

But utilising felled trees and encouraging play & exploration is just as important which is why Tree's for Schools does just that.

Supporting Schools, One Branch or Stump at A Time

Trees for schools donate a whole host of outdoor learning resources to schools in communities across the UK. Stumps for seating, branches for den building, plants & trees to bring new life to an area as a community project pupils can be proud of.

More Than School Photography

Key Stage Photography is about more than taking school portraits.

Working with schools gives us the opportunity to see their challenges, understand their communities and find meaningful ways to give something back.

Trees for Schools grew from that belief.

I cannot change my own experience of education, but I can help create better opportunities for children growing up today. Every tree planted, every branch repurposed is a small step towards making school grounds more inspiring, inclusive and connected to the natural world.