National Tree Week: Activities and Ideas for EYFS to KS4

National Tree Week (25th November – 3rd December) is the UK’s largest tree-planting celebration. It’s a great opportunity to connect pupils with nature, explore the science of trees and teach the importance of environmental sustainability. Here are some creative ways that you can bring National Tree Week into your classroom.

Why Trees Matter

Trees are crucial for life on Earth: they clean our air, store carbon, provide habitats and support ecosystems. National Tree Week celebrates planting and protecting trees to combat climate change and biodiversity loss.

Curriculum-Linked Activities for National Tree Week

EYFS & KS1: What Do Trees Do for Us?

• Science Connection: Identify trees and plants, learn about their basic structure and understand seasonal changes.
• Activity Idea: Take pupils on a ‘tree treasure hunt’ in your local area or school grounds. Ask them to observe tree shapes, leaves, and bark textures.
  • Create leaf rubbings or a class tree collage using natural materials.
• Discussion Question: How do trees help animals and people?

KS2: The Life Cycle of a Tree

• Science Connection: Study life cycles, habitats and the role of trees in ecosystems.
• Activity Idea: Show pupils how to plant a tree and discuss the steps to help it grow.
  • Create a timeline of a tree’s life cycle, from seed to maturity, highlighting its environmental benefits.
• Experiment: Measure carbon storage by calculating the size and age of a tree.

KS3: Trees and Climate Change

• Science Connection: Link photosynthesis, the carbon cycle and the importance of biodiversity.
• Activity Idea: Ask pupils to research deforestation's impact on global ecosystems and write a report or present findings.
  • Use data to explore how tree planting offsets carbon emissions.
• Extension: Organise a debate: ‘Is planting trees enough to combat climate change?’

KS4: Sustainability and Conservation

• Science Connection: Explore human impact on biodiversity and the science behind sustainable practices.
• Activity Idea: Investigate local reforestation projects or global initiatives like the Trillion Tree Campaign. Design a sustainable community plan where trees play a key role in reducing carbon footprints.

We’d love to see how you mark National Tree Week - make sure to tag us on social media! 

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