The Reading Tree project was developed to give children an understanding of why trees are important to life on earth and how they need to be looked after, and provide a sheltered area for quiet reading in school grounds.

The project was established as CSV Environment's contribution to Birmingham Trees for Life, a new organisation set up within the city to promote awareness and understanding of the value and importance of trees, to enable more trees to be planted, and to encourage the involvement of people, especially young people, in tree planting and aftercare.  The Reading Tree concept has built on our experience of delivering environmental education in Birmingham's primary schools, and brought together three distinct elements:

• The need to involve school children in learning about and planting trees
• Introducing an interesting and attractive feature into often sterile school grounds
• Offering a quiet area away from the hustle and bustle of the playground to encourage reading and story-telling activity, either informally or as part of classroom time

The project is aimed at Key Stage 2 pupils, extending over four sessions, and covering activities including the importance of trees, how to care for them, writing tree-based poems and stories, and the planting of the Reading Tree itself.  We work closely with partners in the delivery of both the educational and practical elements, including Hilliers Nursery and the Library Service.

Reading Tree - the first year
With support from Birmingham Trees for Life, we were able to offer an education programme to five inner-city primary schools in early 2007, culminating in the planting in each of a splendid Tulip Tree (provided by Central Trees) in March.  The programmes proved very successful on a number of levels: providing an enjoyable and stimulating learning experience for the children; contributing to curriculum targets in Science and English; increasing awareness of trees and their importance; and leaving each school with a large tree and circular bench as a resource for reading and relaxation in the school grounds.

What next for the Reading Tree?
Four schools are taking part in the project this winter, thanks to support from South Yardley Neighbourhood Renewal Fund and the Birmingham International Airport's Community Trust Fund.  Current education programmes will culminate in planting events in February and March 2008.

For more information contact Clare Jessop:
Telephone: 0121 3276033
Email: clare@csvenvironment.org.uk