Ready, steady, grow! Focus Foundation helps Buckingham Park Primary branch out with grant to plant trees

Buckingham Park Primary in Shoreham now has a greener future thanks to a £4366.92 grant awarded to the school by Focus Foundation.

The grant will enable children to plant a leafy selection of fruit and woodland trees across the school grounds. Awarded in support of Children’s Mental Health Week (7-13 February), the team at Focus Foundation recognise the positive impact that green spaces can have on both physical and mental wellbeing; with tree planting providing an incredible way for youngsters to connect with nature while helping the planet.

The tree planting project is being launched in March, in partnership with Tree Action - a not for profit community interest company that organises tree planting events in schools, colleges, and public spaces in Sussex to improve the environment, tackle climate change and improve the mental wellbeing of young people through connecting them with nature.

Elaine Goodman, trustee at Focus Foundation said: “This project enables the children at Buckingham Park Primary to create an environmental legacy for pupils of the future and the local community, so we’re immensely proud to be able to provide funding to support the tree planting, as well as being acutely aware of the huge positive impact that time outdoors can have upon mental wellbeing.”

Children and teachers of Buckingham Park Primary will lead the planting project, creating a fun hands-on project which will instantly enhance outdoor spaces, benefit generations to come, provide homes and food for wildlife and have a positive impact on the environment.

Deputy Head Teacher at Buckingham Park Primary School, Karyn Astle, added: “We are extremely grateful to Focus Foundation and Tree Action for supporting Buckingham Park with a grant to fund the planting of sixty trees in our school grounds. We have a wonderful outside space and the new trees will enable us to extend our existing woodland area and orchard, in addition to adding interest to the boundaries of our field. Not only will the trees provide much needed shade in years to come but the planting of flowering species will encourage wildlife and promote biodiversity in the future.”

Published 8th February 2022