THE MAYOR'S MILLION TREES
South Yorkshire’s Mayor Oliver Coppard is on a tree planting mission. He aims to plant 1.4 million trees across the region, and has launched ‘A Tree for Everyone Campaign’.
We’re delighted to announce that we have commissioned the social enterprise , Kids Plant Trees , to work with twelve schools across South Yorkshire. They will work with the schools to deliver a series of tree planting projects that will boost biodiversity, support the health and wellbeing of pupils and their wider school communities and tackle climate change.
The team from Kids Plant Tees are currently visiting prospective schools, so if you represent a school and would like further information, please contact anna@kidsplanttrees.org.
Thurcroft Junior Academy Tiny Forest
South Yorkshire now has its own Tiny Forest thanks to the the campaign. 600 trees were planted in spring 2025 at Thurcroft Junior Academy, Rotherham, with pupils and staff working with environmental charity Earthwatch Europe to create the Tiny Forest.
They worked together to plant a dense woodland in a small area, recreating the natural structure of a forest in miniature. On 23 June, Mayor Coppard visited the school to take part in a Discovery Day run by Earthwatch where the children measured the trees, tested the soil and discovered more about the animals that will thrive in their Tiny Forest.
This project provides an opportunity for children to learn about our environment, to improve our local communities and to start building an appreciation for nature. It also promotes better health and improving skills – all vital to giving children the best start in life.
Tree planting to honour Olympic and Paralympic athletes
Mayor Oliver Coppard also led the planting of 17 trees to celebrate South Yorkshire’s Olympic and Paralympic success in Paris 2024, at the Olympic Legacy Park
The 17 trees marked the 17 medals won in Paris by our Olympians and Paralympians . These included fruit trees that will be nurtured and harvested by the neighbouring Oasis Academy school and are planted along the site of a junior parkrun route in the park.
Trees are not just a great way to take carbon out of our atmosphere and fight climate change, they also help to protect against flooding, promote biodiversity, and improve wellbeing.
Make Your Trees Count
Individuals and businesses can now register the trees they plant in South Yorkshire to count towards the Mayor’s target of 1.4 million. It only takes a few minutes to complete the form.
Are you a business or a landowner who wants to help the Mayor plant 1.4. million trees?
South Yorkshire’s Mayor has called on businesses and landowners across South Yorkshire to put forward ideas for large scale tree planting projects. If you want to find out more, please fill in the form below to find out how you can get on board.
SYMCA is also part of the South Yorkshire Woodland Partnership, who provide free woodland creation help to landowners in South Yorkshire. Find out more information on SYWP here.
Where are trees needed?
Free Trees for Communities ( now closed)
Can you help plant 1.4 million trees?
How can you help – Community group, Land owner, Sponsorship, just interested?
Important Information
By submitting this form, you are consenting to SYMCA collecting and storing your personal data and contacting you in relation to the Mayor’s Free Trees for Communities scheme. Your information will be used to inform the development of a Tree for Everyone campaign. We are committed to protecting your privacy. For more details, please refer to our privacy notice. Participation in a Tree for Everyone campaign is entirely voluntary and you may withdraw your consent at any time. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact communications@southyorkshire-ca.gov.uk