The Tree Council’s schools team engaged thousands of young people at The Big Bang Fair. It is the UK’s biggest celebration of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) careers for young people and took place this year between 9 and 11 June 2026 at The NEC in Birmingham.
Our inspirational Young Tree Champion ambassadors and regional lead team created a spectacular ‘woodland glade’, which offered young people a hands-on exploration of the critical role the natural world plays in our lives and how it can be central to future career opportunities.
Richard Pollard, Head of National Schools Programme, said:
“Big Bang this year is all about giving up to 25,000 young people from some of the most deprived urban inner city schools in the UK the opportunity to visit our immersive woodland glade. We hope they gain experience through teaming up with our incredible young ambassadors The Tree Council to tackle some of the most important real world activities in the tree and environment sector. Activities such as reforesting woodlands through the creation of tree seed bombs, thinking like a tree to identify and protect trees from pathogens, inspiring others to form a deeper connection with nature and so much more. Through this experience, alongside wider support, we hope young people will see a pathway into a life changing career in the sector.”
The stand was centred around trees and the range of careers within the environment sector. Students visiting the woodland glade were invited to take part in the PlantWave, a device that converts a plant’s electrical conductivity into mesmerising sound. They also took part in a tree-related careers photo booth, tested their knowledge with a Traitors themed pathogens card game, explored careers and created their own seed bombs.
With support, funding and on the ground assistance, our ambassadors have delivered community events across the UK on the environmental issues that matter most to them, using their voices and passion to inspire new audiences and provide opportunities for young people to connect and engage in tackling the climate and nature emergency.
To find out more, please visit www.youngtreechampions.org
