Oakley School in Tunbridge Wells, Kent, has been awarded a gold award by the Woodland Trust for getting involved in green activities including tree planting, visiting a local woodland, reducing carbon emissions and recycling.

The Green Tree Schools initiative, which has seen over 7,000 schools sign up since it was launched in 2008 offers the opportunity to bring the great outdoors, wildlife and green issues into the classroom.

Schools win awards for participating in green activities, which include tree planting, reducing carbon emissions and recycling. Oakley has planted new trees in their school grounds, visited local woods, reduced their carbon emissions and joined in various other Woodland Trust activities.

James Fewtrell from Oakley School said: "The outdoors is a key part of our learning environment, and learning to respect and care for it is a value we share as a school"

Karen Letten, Woodland Trust schools communications manager, added: “The scheme promotes a range of opportunities, each designed to stimulate a child’s imagination and sustain their interest in woods and trees. The achievements of the school are recognised through an awards scheme in which they receive points for taking part in activities. As they reach milestones within the project they will receive bronze, silver and finally an attractive wooden plaque which acknowledges they’ve achieved the environmental accolade of a gold award.”

The Woodland Trust’s vision is a UK rich in woods and trees, enjoyed by everyone. The charity is dedicated to creating new woodland with help from communities and schools, and protecting and restoring ancient woodland for future generations to cherish.

The Green Tree Award is free for schools to take part in, and during 2016 the Woodland Trust is also offering free packs of trees to schools. Find out how your school can get involved at woodlandtrust.org.uk/schools