Pupils from Marine Academy Primary are getting their hands dirty and their imaginations fired up as they begin growing their very own micro-forest this term.

The children will take responsibility for creating and caring for the mini woodland beside the school playground, learning firsthand about stewardship, sustainability and the importance of looking after the planet.

The ‘My Wacky Forest’ project, run by the non-profit environmental organisation SocieTree, blends storytelling with real-world action. From digging holes and planting saplings to reading about the adventures of the ‘My Wacky Forests’ characters, the initiative uses joy, teamwork and creativity to celebrate how communities can help shape a greener future.

Excitement took root when pupils welcomed SocieTree and their mascot Mushi the giant mushroom to kick off the project this term.

The scheme forms part of a wider effort to create multiple My Wacky Forests across Plymouth. It is backed by a £50,000 grant from the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affair’s King’s Coronation Living Heritage Fund to the Plymouth and South Devon Community Forest.

Marine Academy Primary, part of the Ted Wragg Trust, remains committed to helping young learners grow into curious, independent and responsible citizens who are ready to play their part in protecting the natural world.

Georgina Reid Headteacher at Marine Academy Primary, said:

“Our children are absolutely buzzing about creating their own forest. It is a wonderful way for them to learn that even small actions, such as planting and nurturing a sapling, can have a big impact. We can already see how proud they are to be helping nature thrive right on their doorstep.”

Siobhan Meredith, Executive Director of Education at the Ted Wragg Multi-Academy Trust, said:

“Projects like this give children a powerful sense of ownership over their environment and their future. When children see that their actions can help nature flourish, they begin to understand their own power to shape the world around them for a better future, and that is something we want every child to carry with them.”