Branch Out: Becoming a School Woodland Ambassador

The Woodland Trust is branching out with their School Woodland Ambassador Challenge, inviting schools to root for sustainability and celebrate the benefits of forests

CREDIT: This is an edited version of an article that originally appeared on Woodland Trust

The Woodland Trust is inviting schools to embrace sustainability and promote the benefits of forests through their School Woodland Ambassador Challenge, encouraging students to advocate that ‘woods are good.’

The three-part challenge invites pupils to celebrate the UK’s trees, discover their significance for wildlife and people, and share their insights with others. Schools that complete all three parts can earn points toward the Green Tree Schools Award program.

The first challenge requires schools to visit a local woodland and create a visual display showcasing their observations and learnings from their interaction with nature. To complete the challenge, schools must submit photos of their display.

The second challenge invites students to advocate for the significance of trees and woodlands by organising a performance at school. This could be in the form of an assembly, a presentation or a video they create themselves. The goal is to effectively communicate their understanding and passion for trees, raising awareness among their peers about the vital role that forests play in our environment and communities.

The final challenge focuses on extending the message beyond the school community. Students can create a special newsletter to share with friends and family, or write a letter to a local MP, urging them to support woodland conservation efforts. This challenge encourages pupils to take their advocacy further by engaging with the broader community and influencing local leaders to get involved in protecting and preserving our woodlands.

For each challenge, schools must submit photo or video evidence to earn their Green Tree Schools Award points. Through their efforts, schools can enhance students’ understanding of environmental stewardship and join the Woodland Trust in championing the benefits of trees.