Schools across the country are being invited to join the fourth annual JUST ONE Tree Day, offering young people the chance to learn about the changing climate and make a practical difference.
The event is a non-uniform day where pupils are encouraged to bring in £1 to plant a tree and help reforest the planet. It will take place on 14 October in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, and 30 September in Scotland.
Participating primary and secondary schools are able to access free, curriculum-appropriate lesson resources, while the pupils’ fundraising activities include learning about photosynthesis, the importance of trees for both people and wildlife, and the fundamental role they play in reducing the impact of climate change.
“JUST ONE Tree Day was born out of my commitment to make a difference – not only for my young daughter, but for the future of all children,” said JUST ONE Tree founder, Amanda Bronkhorst.
“Climate anxiety is a very real issue with many of today’s youth, hit by the reality of the climate crisis, but the message I want to convey is we can all make a difference, and one way of doing that is by involving our young people.”
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More than 500 schools and 200,000 pupils have taken part in the initiative to date, raising funds for the JUST ONE Tree community interest company. The CIC plants trees in areas severely affected by deforestation, with the organisation’s global network of planting partners having literally put down roots in Haiti, Indonesia, Kenya, Madagascar, Mozambique, Nepal and Zambia.
Countries near the equator are favoured because, says JUST ONE Tree, these areas have the greatest positive effect on limiting global warming. The organisation also looks to help alleviate extreme poverty within local communities by providing training, agricultural education and sustainable incomes.
Schools interested in registering for JUST ONE Tree Day and accompanying resources can do so here.
