Bronze Award
Focus: Starting your journey towards becoming a Green Tree School.
Requirements:
Schools begin by completing simple, nature-based activities such as tree planting, recycling projects, or creating wildlife habitats. Pupils start to explore how trees and woodlands support the environment and biodiversity.
Rewards:
10 points towards your Green Tree total, a certificate, and a digital logo
Benefits for Pupils:
- Learning about trees, habitats, and the natural world
- Developing curiosity and care for the environment
- Building teamwork and problem-solving skills through outdoor learning
Silver Award
Focus: Deepening engagement with nature and sustainability.
Requirements:
Schools should build on earlier projects by exploring more complex environmental themes, such as carbon footprints, habitats, and sustainable living. Pupils take part in creative activities like writing, art, or storytelling inspired by nature.
Rewards:
25 points towards your Green Tree total, a certificate, and a digital logo
Benefits for Pupils:
- Strengthening understanding of sustainability and conservation
- Expressing ideas creatively through art, writing, and drama
- Gaining confidence and pride in improving their local environment
Gold Award
Focus: Inspiring the whole school community to take environmental action.
Requirements:
Schools must demonstrate ongoing commitment to caring for the environment by embedding outdoor learning and sustainability across the curriculum. Pupils should lead projects that make a positive impact on the school grounds or wider community, such as wildlife surveys, energy-saving initiatives, or local campaigns.
Rewards:
40 points towards your Green Tree total, a certificate, a digital logo, and recognition on the Woodland Trust website
Benefits for Pupils:
- Taking leadership roles in eco and community projects
- Building a lasting connection with nature and responsibility for the planet
- Learning how individual actions can create wider positive change
Platinum Award
Focus: Leading the way in environmental education and sustainable action.
Requirements:
Schools should demonstrate a long-term commitment to environmental projects that involve the whole school community. Pupils lead and monitor progress on key initiatives such as reducing waste, improving biodiversity, and promoting outdoor learning across the curriculum. Schools should also share their experiences with other schools or local groups to inspire further action.
Rewards:
60 points towards your Green Tree total, a certificate, a digital logo, and a special wooden plaque from the Woodland Trust
Benefits for Pupils:
- Taking active leadership roles in sustainability and eco initiatives
- Strengthening skills in planning, teamwork, and communication
- Seeing the impact of their actions on the school and local environment
Platinum+ Award
Focus: Championing environmental excellence and inspiring others nationally.
Requirements:
Schools at this level act as ambassadors for outdoor learning and environmental education. They should maintain their previous projects, develop new innovative initiatives, and share their success stories regionally or nationally. Pupils should help mentor other schools, lead assemblies, or contribute to wider community and Woodland Trust projects.
Rewards:
Recognition as a Green Tree Champion School, a certificate, a digital logo, and a personalised wooden plaque or banner celebrating your achievement
Benefits for Pupils:
- Becoming role models for environmental leadership and community action
- Building confidence through mentoring and public speaking
- Celebrating long-term success in protecting and enhancing the natural world