Cranbrook Pupils Take Hands-On Role in Woodland Project

Pupils at Cranbrook Education Campus have been getting their hands dirty as they begin the next phase of a woodland improvement project at Elbury Farm in East Devon.

Building on the success of last year’s planting, the school’s environmental group is continuing its work to enhance the developing woodland, helping to shape a landscape that will benefit wildlife and the local community for years to come.

Working in partnership with the National Trust, pupils are planting new trees, contributing ideas to the woodland’s design and taking part in team-building activities that develop collaboration and practical skills. Each child received a certificate recognising the number of trees they planted, marking their personal contribution to the project.

The project forms part of Cranbrook Education Campus’s wider commitment to environmental education as part of the Ted Wragg Trust, giving pupils hands-on experience of sustainability and conservation. 

By taking an active role in planting and shaping the woodland, children are learning the importance of caring for natural spaces and understanding the long-term impact of their actions on the world around them.

Hannah Wickens, Assistant Headteacher at Cranbrook Education Campus, said:

“This project has given our pupils a real sense of pride and ownership. By working outdoors and contributing to something that will last for generations, they’re learning first-hand about caring for the environment, working together and making a positive difference in their local community.”

Moira Marder, CEO of the Ted Wragg Trust, said:

“Projects like this show the power of schools rooted in their communities. By working with partners such as the National Trust, Cranbrook Education Campus is giving children meaningful opportunities to contribute to their local environment while building the values, skills and confidence that will stay with them for life.”