Schools invited to take part in Trees for Change Challenge

Young people across eight local authorities will be learning about the important role of trees in mitigating climate change as part of a new partnership. 

We've partnered with the Clyde Climate Forest and Trees for Cities to bring the Trees for Change Challenge to schools and youth groups throughout Glasgow City Region. 

The Clyde Climate Forest aims to plant 18 million trees by 2032 across Glasgow City Region’s eight local authorities: East Dunbartonshire, East Renfrewshire, Inverclyde, Glasgow, North Lanarkshire, Renfrewshire, South Lanarkshire and West Dunbartonshire. 

To support this goal, schools and youth groups from these councils are invited to take part in the Trees for Change Challenge.  

We've designed a suite of resources, including video lessons, workbooks and activities, for primary and secondary school pupils which are available for teachers to help engage pupils in learning about why trees are important to our towns and cities. 

The accompanying resources provide a structured, ready-to-use framework that allows teachers to deliver meaningful, area-specific Learning for Sustainability. The challenge empowers learners to use their voice, share their ideas and advocate for positive change in their local environment. 

Hannah Robertson, our Education and Learning Officer, said: “We’re really looking forward to this challenge and hope it will encourage young people across these local authorities to get involved. 

“We’ll be delivering in-person workshops in schools and encouraging settings to take part in tree planting activities. We are increasingly seeing and feeling the impacts of climate change in Scotland, with heavier rain and higher temperatures. Biodiversity within our urban spaces also faces increased threat, but planting trees can help address both these issues. 

“We see so much enthusiasm for all of our Climate Action Schools activities and I hope this challenge will engage young people across Glasgow City Region to use their voices and creativity to share the importance of trees and the benefits more tree cover brings to everyone living in these areas." 

Chris Stark, Director of Clyde Climate Forest, added: “The Trees for Change Challenge will provide schools with the resources they need to help educate our primary and secondary school children on the multiple benefits of trees.  Trees provide shade in heatwaves and help soak up rainwater during downpours, and this pack equips teachers with lots of fun activities with which to engage young people and spark their imagination.”   

“Bringing nature closer to where people live, work and learn is a key goal for the partnership and we are excited to see the results of this challenge!” 

Kate Sheldon, CEO of Trees for Cities, said: "We're delighted to support the Trees for Change Challenge alongside Keep Scotland Beautiful and Clyde Climate Forest. By helping young people explore the many benefits that trees bring to our towns and cities, the challenge will inspire them to share their ideas, use their voice and play an important role in shaping greener, healthier places for their communities. Our thanks to The Linbury Trust for their generous support toward this important project in Glasgow".

Any schools and youth groups interested in taking part can reach out to hannah.robertson@keepscotlandbeautiful.org for more information.

Climate Action Schools is a framework of education initiatives to support Scotland's educators, young people and children to progress Learning for Sustainability and create sustainable settings.