A Shoreham girl's fundraising for Tree Action UK will help fund planting projects in local schools, to create greener spaces where children can learn about nature and take an active role in caring for it.

Heidi Kind, 11, organised a sponsored Tree Pose, inviting friends and family to take part in her Stand on One Leg challenge.

She came up with the idea herself after seeing the charity planting trees in Shoreham and speaking to the charity about raising money to plant and care for more trees in community spaces in Sussex.

Heidi said: “I hope there will be more trees, more forests and more people who understand how important they are.”

Tree Action UK funds planting projects in schools to create greener spaces where children can learn about nature and take an active role in caring for it

placeholder image — Tree Action UK funds planting projects in schools to create greener spaces where children can learn about nature and take an active role in caring for it

Since 2019, the charity has supported nine tree planting projects in local schools, including Buckingham Park Primary in Shoreham.

Tree Action UK said: “Heidi wanted to help plant more trees, so she organised her own fundraiser. Her goal was to raise money for Tree Action and help more trees take root in local schools and public spaces. She ultimately raised £698, supported by 37 people.

“What makes Heidi’s story special isn’t just the money raised. It shows what can happen when people feel connected to the natural spaces around them. A tree planted in a community can become something children notice, care about and feel responsible for.

“Trees are good for our environment, our communities and our wellbeing. But at Tree Action UK, we believe planting a tree is only the beginning. We’re a Sussex-based not-for-profit community interest company, working with schools, local authorities and communities to plant and care for trees.

Heidi Kind, 11, practising her Tree Pose ahead of her sponsored fundraiser for Tree Action UK

“Our school projects aren’t simply about putting trees in the ground. We help schools explore what will work for their space, source the trees and develop plans for looking after them as they grow.

“Students can get involved in planting, watering, weeding and mulching, learning about trees and biodiversity along the way. For the children, getting outdoors and having responsibility for something living can be a really valuable experience.

“We also work with local authorities to organise community planting and tree care events in our local parks. Volunteers of all ages can come along, get their hands dirty and help young trees survive those crucial first years. It’s a chance to learn, meet people and make a visible difference to a place you use every day.

“And sometimes, the impact of planting a tree reaches further than we expect. That’s what Tree Action is really about, not just planting trees but helping people connect with them, care for them and understand why they matter.”