St Mark’s Primary School in East Renfrewshire is planting 500 to 700 trees in its school grounds, transforming a low-canopy neighbourhood into a greener, healthier place to learn and grow. With support from the Urban Forestry Programme Challenge Fund, the project focuses on Tree Equity and climate education, turning the school into a hub for local environmental action.
Located in an area with just 9% canopy cover, the school is working to improve green space for pupils, neighbouring residents, and the wider community. Tree planting will enhance views from surrounding homes and invite local families to share and care for the space.
Building on its role as a pilot school for the Learning through Landscapes Climate 180 programme, St Mark’s will use this project to deepen pupils’ understanding of climate change through hands-on, nature-based learning. The school will also partner with local organisations and community volunteers to deliver workshops, planting days, and ongoing care.
This initiative is designed as a pilot for wider roll-out across East Renfrewshire, with St Mark’s sharing lessons learned with other schools. By rooting sustainability in both the curriculum and the community, the project aims to grow the next generation of tree champions.
