Get involved with the Oaks at 80 project

We’ve recently launched the Oaks at 80 project which will mark 80 years since the end of World War II with the planting of Oak trees throughout our communities in the Mersey Forest.

Oak trees have traditionally marked 80-year milestones and oak trees also embody strength, resilience and longevity – virtues that resonate deeply with the sacrifices made during World War II and the hopeful spirit of peace that followed.

About the Oaks at 80 project

This project aims to establish a commemorative programme centred on creating a lasting legacy of Oaks planted in new woodlands and as civic trees in our communities, commemorating the sacrifices of so many military and civilian people in our area.

The team launched the project during remembrance weekend, with oak trees being handed out to the community at Calderstone Park in Liverpool on Saturday, 9th November.

A range of activities took place throughout the day, including crafts, storytelling and tours – find out more:

• The Reader: Oaks at 80 event

Schools have also been encouraged to get involved and collect seeds this autumn to grow on to be planted in our communities to help continue to grow the Mersey Forest. These can be any tree seeds and there are lots of resources about seed gathering on the Tree Council’s website.

It’s a great opportunity to get out in nature, learn about the benefit of trees and play your part to commemorate the end of World War II, whilst helping to grow the Mersey Forest for future generations to enjoy.

Growing your collected seeds

To grow your seeds, the whole class can collectively plant the collected seeds and look after them through winter, before potting them in spring for us to collect and grow on.

All you’ll need is:

• A couple of large planting pots or a builder’s bucket
• Soil or peat free compost
• Sharp sand
• Plastic tray
• Paper or hessian bag
• Small bucket
• Wire mesh
• Plastic plant pots or large yogurt pots

See The Tree Council’s guide for how to gather and plant your seeds.

• The Tree Council – Growing trees from seed

Follow up activity

The Mersey Forest plant thousands of trees each year and we would love to plant the trees that you have grown. Following The Tree Council’s guide, in spring, when you check to see if your seed have germinated, rather than planting your seeds in the ground why not let us plant them for you at a site somewhere within the Mersey Forest. If you would like to be involved in this stage simply follow the stages below and get in contact. We’ll then let you know details of a local drop off point to take your saplings for us to grown on for the following winters’ planting season.

1. Collect and gather large yogurt pots or large plastic containers and put some small holes in the bottom. Fill these with two-part peat free compost and one-part sharp sand mix and make a hole in the middle of the soil with your finger
2. Empty your seeds from their large pot and find the ones that have roots or a shoot on them and put them in hole you’ve made in the soil
3. Cover the acorn lightly with soil and gentle press it down before watering thoroughly
4. Put the pots back against a cold north facing wall to germinate further, keep them well watered while they carry on growing
5. Once you have all your seeds potted on, contact us and we will let you know where you can drop them off locally for us to grow them on to be planted in the next winter season.

Treemendous trees!

Trees give us clean air to breathe, provide homes for wildlife and help tackle climate change. In our communities, trees cool our streets, reduce flooding by soaking up rainwater and make our neighbourhoods more beautiful places to live and work. By planting and caring for trees, we’re making the world a healthier, greener place for everyone.

As well as collecting seeds this autumn you could also incorporate some fantastic stories about trees into your learning.

Discover the wonder of trees: Recommended books

Explore the magic of trees through these captivating books, tailored to inspire pupils of all ages.

Primary age recommended:

• The Lorax by Dr. Seuss – This classic tale highlights the importance of trees, showing the devastating effects of a world without them. It encourages us to care enough to make a positive change for the planet.
• The Oak Tree by Julia Donaldson – Follow the life of an oak tree, from a tiny seed to its final moments, as it witnesses the world change around it. A beautiful story about the importance of trees in our environment.
• The Promise by Nicola Davies – This powerful story of a young girl and a bag of stolen acorns shows how even small actions, like planting a tree, can bring hope and transform communities for generations to come.

Secondary school in-depth reading:

• The Man Who Planted Trees by Jean Giono – This short story illustrates how one person’s daily dedication to planting trees can transform both their life and the world around them.
• The Wild Trees by Richard Preston – Discover the true story of a man who climbed one of the world’s tallest trees and became captivated by trees, dedicating his life to their study.
• Wildwood: A Journey Through Trees by Roger Deakin – A global journey to understand humanity’s deep connection with trees, exploring the natural and spiritual significance they hold.

Prompting thought:

• Belonging by Jeannie Baker – Through stunning illustrations, this wordless picture book shows how trees can transform a neighbourhood and brighten our world with the changing seasons.

Encourage your students to delve into these stories and discover the vital role trees play in our lives, sparking curiosity, understanding, and a deeper appreciation for nature!

Further reading incorporating trees:

• Tree by Britta Teckentrup
• The Magic and Mystery of Trees – RHS
• Meetings with Remarkable Trees
• The Night Life of Trees – Tara Books
• The Hidden Life of Trees – Peter Wohlleben
• The Tree: meaning and myth – Frances Carey
• Magic Faraway Tree collection – Enid Blyton
• 13 Storey Treehouse books
• How to be more Tree – Annie Davidson
• Leaf by Niggle – Prof JRR Tolkien