Manchester Withington MP Jeff Smith is promoting a scheme run by the Woodland Trust to plant 400,000 new trees in primary schools around the country.

The new scheme offers state-funded primary schools a free trees pack with everything they need to start planting, and guidance on how to make their school grounds and communities greener.

The pack includes help with finding a space to plant the trees, information on how to protect the trees and help them grow, and on-line resources to support teachers to plan lessons on the environment.

Beccy Speight, Chief Executive of The Woodland Trust said: “It’s vitally important that children get the chance to plant a tree. We know from our research it’s a memory they’ll treasure for years to come, and often starts their relationship off with the natural world and all the benefits that brings.

This scheme offers schools which have found it hard in the past a new way to plant trees, and bring an oasis of green into their community.”

Jeff Smith said: “This scheme is a fantastic way to encourage children to learn about nature while making their school grounds greener.

I’m encouraging all eligible primary schools to apply for a free tree pack and start planting!”

Apply for a free tree pack on the Woodland Trust website here. The deadline for applications in September 7^th.