SOWing your seeds
UPDATE: BACK TO SCHOOL
Planting your trees
How a tree works
What can I do?
Teachers' notes
FILM: A Convenient Truth
SPOT your school
Stars for seeds
Stars for seeds: Celebrities join our campaign
STARS, politicians and business people are supporting Seeds for Schools.
Here’s what some of them have to say:
McFly
QUITE apart from pledging over 100 tickets in total to their 2009 woodland concerts, pop Idols McFLY popped in to help the seed-sowing at Northwood College, in Northwood, Middlesex.
As you can see from our picture, the pupils were pretty pleased!
Bassist Dougie Poynter, 21, said: "Seeds For Schools is a great idea and we're really happy to be able to play a part.
Guitarist and singer Danny Jones, 23, added: "We're backing the campaign because it's really important for schools around the country to get behind it.
"It's a fun way and interesting way to help the environment. We'll be planting our seeds too. Trees are cut down on a daily basis so we need to put back what we are taking away."
Lead singer Tom Fletcher, 23, said: "We want all our fans to be aware of the world around them. If everyone does a little bit to help it can make a huge difference."
Drummer Harry Judd, 23, chipped in: "People in the public eye have a responsibility to be a good role model. “As a band we wanted to get involved as you can watch the results in years to come. We're going to have a competition to see who can grow the best trees so we'll keep your readers updated!"
Hilary Benn
ENVIRONMENT Secretary HILARY BENN said: “Trees mean a lot to us.
"They shape our landscape, they remind us of the earth from which we all spring, and improve the places where we live, work and play.
“Sowing seeds will encourage children to understand how plants grow and develop and will help the next generation appreciate their importance in conserving wildlife and supporting a healthy environment.
“This is a great chance for children in every school to be inspired by nature and to learn how important trees are to us all, wherever we live.”
POP star RONAN KEATING is also a fan of our campaign: “We should be teaching children about the modern, big issues which affect our planet,” he said. "And I’m delighted to support Seeds for Schools.”
TV presenter VERNON KAY says: “Seeds for Schools is a fantastic idea."I only wish there had been similar schemes in my school when I was growing up. I’d be happy to help schools plant the trees.”
TEENAGE operatic singing sensation FARYL SMITH, 14, is a pupil at Southfield School for Girls in Kettering, Northants - where she and her pals are getting stuck in to seed sowing.“We’ve already started planting”, said Faryl, whose album—simply titled Faryl— is already a chart sensation.
“I think it’s a really good way to get people more interested in the environment.”
Faryl, who shot to fame on Britain’s Got Talent, arranged two weeks away from class so she can fly to the USA to promote her album - already American critics are giving her rave reviews.
But she plans to stay in touch online with www. seedsforschools.org.
“The website’s amazing,” she added.
“There’s so much information, it’s a brilliant place for people to learn lots.”
Chelsea FC
CHELSEA Football Club are fully behind the Seeds For Schools campaign - and to help promote the scheme they got in touch with St Andrew's School which is local to their training ground in Cobham, Surrey.
Pupils met the stars and posed for photos with the team's captain JOHN TERRY and goal hero FRANK LAMPARD.
Terry, dad to 21-month-old twins Georgie John and Summer Rose, said: “I want the best possible world for my children.
"I'll sow some seeds, and when they turn into seedlings I'll plant one each for my children so they can grow together."
BRITAIN’S Got Talent judge AMANDA HOLDEN said: “Planting a million trees across the country would be an amazing feat, which will benefit the whole planet.
"As a parent I worry about the world we are leaving behind to future generations. So this is a great campaign for children to be involved in, and a really important learning experience for them."
“I'm certainly looking forward to planting a tree in my garden when they're ready!”
TV's Dragons' Den entrepreneur PETER JONES has also pledged his backing.
“This not only engages children but draws in businesses,” he said.
“I'm offering a corner of my land to local kids when their seeds turn into shoots, and I hope other business people around the country will join me in supporting the project.”
Ed Miliband
ED MILIBAND, Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change, told us: “The task of tackling climate change is huge, but it starts in small ways, like planting these trees and helping them grow.
"Children and young people are way ahead on this issue so I’m sure they will take part in this project with enthusiasm.
“I urge everyone – teachers, parents, friends and neighbours - to follow their lead.
"Seeds for Schools is a great way to spread the word about how precious our planet is and that we can all do something to help.
I hope it’s a huge success.”
Theo Walcott
ARSENAL and England star THEO WALCOTT says: “This is such a great idea. "Children will get the opportunity to do something fun, make a difference and watch their seeds grow into something that will benefit their community and its future.”
Ed Balls
ED BALLS, Secretary of State for Schools said: “When I was at school, I don't think we ever had a lesson about climate change.
"And while we did worry about endangered species, we were not aware at all of the damage that was being done to the environment by carbon emissions. Times have changed - and rightly so.
“These days learning about climate change is a key part of the school curriculum. Children are sometimes more clued up about green issues than their teachers and parents.
"And it's often kids who put pressure on adults to recycle more, switch off lights and turn off the tap when brushing their teeth. The truth is that most of us could be doing more to save the planet and, at the same time, save money.
"That's why the News of the World's new campaign is really important - and I'm pleased that schools will be a key part of this. I've written to every school encouraging them to take part.
"At the same time as learning about green issues, it's a great opportunity for young people to do something practical for the good of their local community and the future of our planet.
“I wish it every success and I hope schools across the country will get involved and do their bit.”
Tim Rollinson
DIRECTOR-GENERAL of the Forestry Commission, Tim Rollinson, added: “Climate change will have catastrophic consequences for the Earth if we don't take decisive action to limit it. It's already happening, so we must act now to protect our children and our children's children from its worst effects.
"Among the most important things we have to do to prevent climate change disaster are to conserve remaining forests, restore lost forests, and manage and use them sustainably.
"That's why we're working with the Seeds for Schools project so that our children understand the importance of having lots of healthy trees and forests to ensure a healthy planet."
Mr Rollinson encouraged any companies or organisations that could make available small areas of land on which local schoolchildren could plant out and care for their trees to contact the Forestry Commission on enquiries@forestry.gsi.gov.uk or on 0845 FORESTS (0845 367 3787).
