Green Tree Badge to Inspire 1m Children

The initiative is supported by an array of stars, including singer Ellie Goulding, actor Sir David Jason, Made-In-Chelsea star Millie Mackintosh, Irish chef Clodagh McKenna, and Broadcaster Alice Beer.

As schools go back, the Green Tree Badge puts trees and nature centre stage for children, parents, teachers, and communities for the year ahead.

The aim is for 1 million children to participate with their families, community groups or schools to learn more about the incredible world of trees. It will deepen understanding of the value of trees and forestry, and the part they play in the battle against Climate Change.

The Green Tree Badge is a partnership between the forestry education charity, the Royal Forestry Society (RFS), and environmentally conscious brand, Bags of Ethics. Together, they share a vision that children are the future planners, managers and custodians of our woodlands. It is also being supported by the Royal Scottish Forestry Society (RSFS).

The challenge begins 

The Green Tree Badge challenge begins with an activity book filled with fun tree and environment-oriented activities. When children have completed enough activities, they will earn their own Green Tree Badge.

It is launching at a VIP event on 4th September at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, with the backing from individuals  such as Ellie Goulding, Sir David Jason, Millie Mackintosh, Clodagh McKenna and Alice Beer.

Sir David Jason OBE said: “I love trees and all that they bring to the planet. I have planted and looked after many of them in my lifetime. The Green Tree Badge with its focus on children – future guardians of our planet – to be better equipped and knowledgeable about trees, nature, and our wider environment is something that deserves our full support, and certainly has mine.”

The campaign aims to donate at least 5,000 copies of the activity book to primary schools in disadvantaged communities which will ensure children of all backgrounds to be able to participate. To help us reach that target, please donate here.

Passionate about trees

Smruti Sriram, Chief Executive of Bags of Ethics said: “I have always been passionate about protecting the planet. We have built our business on the basis of promoting reusable products and the people who create them. As a mother, this has become even more important to me. I am therefore incredibly excited to be launching the Green Tree Badge with the Royal Forestry Society. Our mission is to inspire children of all backgrounds to better understand the world of trees – trees are often overlooked but they are wonderful giving us food, shelter, clean air and so much more.”

Inspiring a generation

The Royal Forestry Society is the longest established forestry education charity in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.

Christopher Williams, their Chief Executive, said: “Trees play a special and vital part in all our lives. Now, more than ever we need to inspire the next generation to love, value and grow up wanting to care for them. “Trees are not just beautiful, individually and together. They also play an invaluable role in the fight against climate change. They lock up carbon as they grow and provide a whole range of environmental and economic benefits. By creating a series of fun activities leading to the Green Tree Badge we aim to give children a life-long love of trees.

By taking part, children will be discovering all different types of trees. They will be finding out how they grow; getting hands-on to find out how they benefit wildlife and exploring the uses of timber. There is also an opportunity to go for a special Gold Award.

“The Royal Forestry Society is committed to inspiring a new generation of foresters and people who love woodland. The Green Tree Badge is a natural extension to our work with schools, colleges and university students.”

Supporters for the Green Tree Badge include Sir Kenneth Olisa OBE CStJ FRSA FBCS, HM Lord Lieutenant, Tony Kirkham MBE, VMH, FICFor former Head of the Arboretum at Royal Botanic Gardens at Kew, The Hon. Jeremy Soames and several leaders in education, conservation, and forestry.

Activities for the Green Tree Badge will take place across the country with ceremonies for children being held across the country in castles, arboretums and national gardens.

Organisations supporting and partnering with Green Tree Badge include The Scouts, Severn Trent Water, Hamptons and others.

Take part

To buy the Activity Passbook and Green Tree Badge tools, or register your interest as a school, community group, individual or corporate donor visit www.bagsofethics.org/greentreebadge

Retailers for the project are asked to contact info@bagsofethics.org