Pupils at a Hartlepool primary school have embarked on a tree and hedgerow planting initiative to help protect the environment.

Brougham Primary School has been accepted onto The Tree Council’s national Young Tree Champions programme which will result in green and open spaces around the school being utilised to help save the planet.

To mark the start of the project, pupils have planted a range of trees including ash, birch and maple plus around 100 hedgerow whips within the school grounds.

Helen Moore, who is leading on the initiative at the school, said: “This is a wonderful opportunity for the children at Brougham Primary School to take part in such an important initiative.

“The main aim of this project is to get the children involved with nature and take ownership of the outdoor space within the school grounds. Planting the trees and hedgerows is just the start of the project to use the outdoor space more effectively which in turn will help protect the environment and benefit wildlife.

“It is also about instilling values in our children that nature is important and to have a passion to go out into the community and develop their own green spaces for nature to flourish. We also hope that they will take those skills home and encourage parents and family members to develop their own green spaces as well.”

Brougham is one of eight primary schools across Teesside under the umbrella of Ad Astra Academy Trust.

Sarah Greenan, Headteacher at Brougham Primary School, added: “One of the best ways we can enjoy and protect our environment is through the planting of trees. At Brougham Primary School, we are so excited about starting our very own Young Tree Champion project as it highlights our approach for fostering a love for nature and our commitment to a more sustainable future.

“I am very proud of Mrs Moore and her commitment to this project. Her determination to inspire pupils to look after and learn from the environment and natural world is fantastic and it is clear how all our pupils thrive when taking part these outdoor opportunities.”

The other primary schools within Ad Astra Academy Trust are Barnard Grove, West Park and West View in Hartlepool, Crooksbarn and Rosebrook in Stockton-on-Tees and Ayresome and Sunnyside in Middlesbrough.

Staff and pupils from Brougham Primary gather at the start of the Young Tree Champions Project 

Brougham Primary School children plant one of the trees to mark the start of the project

Aveva Dickinson and Freddie Wilson plant a tree to mark the start of the Young Tree Champions Project

Video – Young Tree Champions – Helen Moore