The Tree Council was awarded funding from the Greater London Authority (GLA) through the Mayor of London’s Green Roots Fund, to deliver the Young Tree Champions Living Labs programme. This funding marks an important step forward in The Tree Council’s partnership with the GLA, recognising the vital role that young people play in tackling the climate and nature crisis.
In celebration of the Green Roots Fund launch, London’s Deputy Mayor for Environment and Energy, Mete Coban, visited William Torbitt School in Redbridge to meet teachers and young people who are part of the Young Tree Champions Living Labs project.
The Tree Council CEO, Sara Lom said:
“We were delighted to welcome the Deputy Mayor to William Torbitt School and showcase how young people are leading the way in tackling climate change.
“The Green Roots funding is helping us bring our Young Tree Champions Living Labs project to 50 schools over the next two years, in areas facing some of the greatest climate challenges and inequalities.”
Young Tree Champions Living Labs inspires children and young people in some of London’s most urban and underserved schools to explore how climate risks, such as heat, flooding and air pollution, affect their school grounds and to take action using nature-based solutions.
Through hands-on learning, schools work together to design and implement practical green infrastructure including tree planting, SuDS and habitat creation, improving both the environment and pupil wellbeing.
The programme provides expert training, workshops and resources to help teachers and students respond to the climate and nature crisis, while transforming school grounds into greener, healthier and more resilient spaces. By building skills, confidence and connections Living Labs supports schools to create lasting change and giving young people meaningful access to nature and inspiring the next generation of environmental leaders.
Sara Lom added: “This is about so much more than planting trees.
“It’s about giving young people the tools, skills and confidence to lead real change in their schools and communities—helping to create greener, healthier places to live, now and for the future.”
Thanks to the GLA’s support, the Living Labs programme will reach 50 schools over the next two years, focusing on areas of social deprivation where the risk from impacts of climate change is higher.
To find out more about The Tree Council’s Young Tree Champions programme, visit www.youngtreechampions.org. You can also find out more about the Green Roots Fund here.
