ST PETER’S First School, Williton, has won a Woodland Trust gold award for its green activities including tree planting, visiting a local woodland, reducing carbon emissions and carrying out a range of woodland challenges.

The Green Tree Schools initiative, which has seen more than 12,000 schools sign up since it was launched in 2008, offers the chance to bring wildlife and green issues into the classroom.

St Peter’s has planted new trees in the school grounds, visited local woods, reduced carbon emissions and become involved in Woodlands Trust schemes. 

Pupil Lola Howard said: “I have loved doing Woodland Trust Awards. Forest school with Mrs Pickering is so fun.”

Karen Letten, Woodland Trust schools and communities engagement 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 in the project they receive bronze and silver certificates and then a wooden plaque which acknowledges they’ve achieved the environmental accolade of a gold award.

“I hope St Peter’s will now consider going for our next accolade, the prestigious platinum award.”

Deputy headteacher Maida White said: “This has been an amazing opportunity for our children and they have loved every minute of it.”

The Woodland Trust is a charity dedicated to creating new woodland with help from communities and schools, and protecting and restoring ancient woodland.