GREENFYLDE First School has been living up to its name, having been awarded for its work with all things 'green'.

The Ilminster school has been awarded a gold award by the Woodland Trust for getting involved in green activities including tree planting, visiting a local woodland, reducing carbon emissions and recycling.

The Green Tree Schools initiative, which has seen over 6,400 schools sign up since it was launched in 2008 offers the opportunity to bring the great outdoors, wildlife and green issues into the classroom.

Schools win awards for participating in green activities, which include tree planting, reducing carbon emissions and recycling. Greenfylde School has planted new trees in their school grounds, visited local woods, developed their school garden, run an Eco Club and joined in various other Woodland Trust activities.

Claire Oaten, Head teacher at Greenfylde said: "Our pupils live in an area with a rich country heritage and it is important that we work with our children to foster an appreciation of all this natural beauty.

“Working towards the Woodland Trust awards, especially through every child's participation in Forest School has allowed us to share the natural wealth of our local community with them and encourage them to be future ambassadors for the preservation of our natural world.

“We want our pupils to have the best possible future and we believe all of these worthwhile activities will help promote the care of our future world. Our pupils enjoy taking part in Forest School activities with our Forest School leader, Vernon Higgins and we are all very proud of the recognition we have received for this work in our Woodland Trust Gold Award."

Karen Letten, Woodland Trust schools communications manager, added: “The scheme promotes a range of opportunities, each designed to stimulate a child's imagination and sustain their interest in woods and trees. The achievements of the school are recognised through an awards scheme in which they receive points for taking part in activities. As they reach milestones within the project they will receive bronze, silver and finally an attractive wooden plaque which acknowledges they've achieved the environmental accolade of a gold award.”

The Woodland Trust's vision is a UK rich in woods and trees, enjoyed by everyone. The charity is dedicated to creating new woodland with help from communities and schools, and protecting and restoring ancient woodland for future generations to cherish.