SOUTH YORKSHIRE’S MAYOR CONGRATULATES ROTHERHAM SCHOOL PUPILS GROWING HUNDREDS OF TREES IN A TINY FOREST

Published 25 June 2025 at 4:15pm

South Yorkshire Mayor’s Oliver Coppard joined pupils at a Rotherham school as they checked on the growth of their Tiny Forest, which consists of 600 trees planted as part of the Mayor’s “A Tree for Everyone” campaign.

The environmental project at Thurcroft Junior Academy is one of a number across South Yorkshire supporting the Mayor’s Million Trees project, which aims to plant 1.4 million trees in South Yorkshire.

Academy pupils and staff joined forces 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. 

Mayor Coppard visited Thurcroft Junior Academy 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.

Mayor Coppard said: “I want to plant 1.4million trees, one for every person who lives in South Yorkshire. 
“This tree planting is about more than hitting that target. It’s 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 mental and physical health, and better cognitive, team and problem-solving skills – all vital to giving children the best start in life. 

“I’m proud that my A Tree for Everyone campaign is inspiring young people, like the children at Thurcroft Junior Academy, to appreciate and care for nature. Whether it’s a tiny forest or a whole woodland – every one of our tree planting projects is helping to improve our communities.”

The Tiny Forest project is also helping the school to create a new outdoor learning environment for pupils to enjoy.

Ruth Stone, Principal of Thurcroft Junior Academy explained: “Our whole school community was delighted and grateful for the opportunity to plant a ‘Tiny Forest’. Every child from Nursery to Year 6 participated in the planting.  

“We are passionate about improving our school environment and that of our wider community.  Children learn about the importance of sustainability and nature in the environment throughout their time at Thurcroft, to ensure that as they grow, they will continue to champion these vital projects.  

Freddie, Year 5 Eco Warrior, added: “I like learning outside in the forest, finding the creatures and checking the trees and the trees help with oxygen”

Thurcroft’s Tiny Forest is one of around 300 which have now been planted by Earthwatch working with partners across the UK to bring the benefits of a forest right into the heart of our towns and cities.

Ben Williams, Senior Project Manager at Earthwatch Europe, said: “This Tiny Forest shows that green spaces don’t have to be vast to make a big difference. It’s been wonderful to support the students and staff of Thurcroft Junior Academy to plant and care for this Tiny Forest. Helping the trees take root and monitoring them as they flourish creates a very special connection with the forest and the wildlife that calls it their home.

“Tree planting initiatives like Tiny Forests provide rich opportunities for connecting people of all ages and backgrounds with nature and supporting local biodiversity. We look forward to continue working with local communities and the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority to support the Mayor’s ambition to plant a tree for everyone – creating a lasting legacy for people and nature across South Yorkshire.”

Mayor Coppard recently opened the second round of his A Tree for Everyone Grant Fund to help plant more trees across our communities. The Grant Fund is for people in the region who would like to plant trees here, on land where planting rights are secured, and where the trees will provide a public benefit and enhance environmental sustainability. 

It comes after a fruitful first round, launched in January 2025, which saw six successful recipients of the Grant Fund and helped to plant over 180 trees and 6m of hedgerow.

The Grant Fund is open for round two of applications until Friday 25 July at 5pm. This round is suitable for projects that will be completed by March 2026. 

Click here to find out more information or to apply to the Grant Fund.