Scotland’s Finest Woods Awards celebrate the power of trees at schools and nurseries

Demonstrating excellence in outdoor learning, the projects gave opportunities for children and young people to learn, grow and thrive outdoors.

Combining woodland learning, biodiversity action and local history, pupils at St Paul’s RC High School won the Crown Estate Scotland Schools’ Trophy.

St Paul’s, in Pollok, earned the national recognition for its efforts to safeguard Damshot Woods and strengthen community connections.

Meanwhile, Haddo Woodland Kindergarten in Aberdeenshire was the winner of the Alba Trees Early Years’ Trophy for its innovative woodwork project, inspired by children’s response to Storm Arwen and their connection to the natural world.

In order for judging and the presentation of awards to take place within the current school year, the Schools and Early Years Awards announcements are made in June. The presentations were made recently in Glasgow and at Haddo.

Both winners received a magnifying post provided by Caledonia Play, £500 towards their project and a special commemorative wooden display plaque recording their achievement. The winners will be invited to the Award Ceremony later in the year where the trophies will be presented. A special Tree Pack for winners and runners up was also donated by Alba Trees containing trees for planting or tree growing kits, this will also be presented at the Awards Ceremony, along with a certificate.

Another five categories – New Native Woods, Farm Woodland, Quality Timber, Community Woodlands and Urban Forestry – will be awarded later in the year when we anticipate the main Awards Ceremony will take place during National Tree Week.  Winners and guests will be invited nearer the time.

Wilma Harper, Chair of Scotland’s Finest Woods, the charity which operates the Awards programme, said: “Congratulations to everyone involved in these outstanding projects. The dedication of staff, pupils, families and community partners has created truly exceptional examples of how Scotland’s woodlands can support learning, wellbeing, creativity and environmental responsibility.

“The winning projects highlight the power of outdoor learning to engage children and young people in meaningful, hands-on experiences. From environmental stewardship and biodiversity to practical skills and community action, these initiatives showcase the many ways woodlands can enrich education.”

St Paul’s has spent almost 15 years using Damshot Woods, located beside the school, as an outdoor classroom. Every year, all S1 pupils take part in a programme of outdoor learning, developing skills in woodland safety, shelter building, tree identification, biodiversity and environmental stewardship. Pupils use these experiences to achieving their Scottish Junior Forester Award.

Alongside this programme, a group of pupils has led a community project focused on protecting Damshot Woods for future generations. Working with the Village Storytelling Centre, pupils explored the history of the Pollok Free State protests and interviewed former campaigners, local residents and community leaders.

Pupils have also begun developing a draft woodland management plan, with the future aim of contributing to biodiversity improvements and woodland safety.

And the work is certainly having an effect – one pupil has already gone on to study forestry at Barony College.

The long-term aim would be to secure community or school ownership of Damshot Woods, ensuring the valued green space remains protected, accessible and a valuable education resource for generations to come.

Seb Heron, PT of Pupil Support at St Paul’s said: “We are thrilled to get the recognition for all the hard work put in by pupils, staff, volunteers and parents.

“What started as an excuse to get young people out of the classroom for a few hours has grown into a core part of our curriculum. We are really proud of our connection to Pollok Park and want to protect and utilise those amazing green spaces. It is a brilliant all-round experience for everyone and a great way of learning.”

And the judges were impressed: “The pupils have done exceptional work, with a local community group, about the woodland based around the history, land use and campaigning. Pupils produced a ‘zine’ video and podcast to illustrate the importance of Damshot Woods to their lives; learning, playing and biodiversity.

“From a curricula perspective this demonstrates links with modern studies, media, art, drama, politics, biology and conservation. Fantastic cross circular links and super learning opportunities.”

The runner up in the Schools Award was St Columba’s School, Kilmacolm, Inverclyde.

Pupils have transformed an underused area into a thriving new orchard as part of their ‘Grow Your Own Foodbank’ initiative, combining environmental action with community support.

Haddo Woodland Kindergarten, Aberdeenshire, reacted after the impact of Storm Arwen in 2021 by developing an innovative, child-led woodwork project.

By surveying fallen trees, collecting natural materials and discussing environmental change, children were encouraged to connect with their surroundings and discover the value of wood as a natural resource.

Woodwork became a core part of daily learning, with children safely using real tools such as hammers, hand drills and saws to design and create their own projects.

Children developed independence, perseverance, teamwork and decision-making skills while gaining a strong sense of achievement and ownership over their learning. Sustainability was embedded throughout, with reclaimed and fallen wood reused to create bird boxes, furniture, play resources and garden enhancements.

Community involvement was central to the project’s success. Families contributed materials, expertise and time, while popular Parents and Grandparents Woodwork Sessions strengthened intergenerational relationships. Partnerships with Haddo Estate, the National Trust for Scotland’s Haddo House volunteers, local businesses, schools and community groups further enriched learning and helped expand the project beyond the kindergarten.

The judges said: “Staff completed woodwork training which has led to a child-friendly designed woodwork hut with everything at child height – a super resource and learning opportunity for the children.”

The judges also praised the work following Storm Arwen. They said: “The woodland lost a high number of trees and this had a big impact upon the children. Staff used this to examine how to deal with the feelings and emotions around with grief and loss.

“The children also collected seeds from the fallen trees and planted them. The seedlings are healthy and well cared for. This simple act demonstrated how the ‘circle of life’ continues.

“The children showed their amazing sense of adventure and imagination during the judges’ visit and clearly had a deep connection to this wonderful woodland.”

Runners up in the Early Years category was Dundee Nature Kindergarten.

A major woodland development project has transformed the nursery’s outdoor learning environment, creating new opportunities for Forest School education, supporting long-term conservation, and embedding sustainability and nature connection.

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