Welcome to our annual Learning About Forests (LEAF) programme. An award that advocates outdoor learning and hands-on experiences, which result in young people getting more involved in, and a better understanding of, the natural world.
Now in it’s 21st year the LEAF programme operates in 26 countries and engages with nearly 1,000,000 young people from around the world to help raise awareness of our forest ecosystems. From ancient woodlands to local parks, from school grounds to backyards, from trees to lichen the LEAF programme enables all who take part to reconnect with nature in their local community.
The free LEAF programme and LEAF Award are open each academic year to:
Pre-schools, schools and colleges.
Youth Groups – such as Scouts and Youth Climate Networks.
Registered home-schoolers.
Existing Eco-Schools can work through the LEAF programme to apply for the LEAF Award as a stand alone accreditation, and can also use their LEAF programme actions as topic evidence when applying for their Eco-Schools Green Flag. Double, global, international environmental award bonus!!!
To date through the LEAF programme over 84,000 trees have been planted!
Register for the LEAF Programme
Those wishing to take part in the LEAF programme during Spring and Summer terms 2021, in order to apply for their LEAF Award in June or July 2021 will need to register here.
Please note: Even registered Eco-Schools will need to complete the simple LEAF registration form to join, as LEAF is a separate education programme and award managed by the education team at Keep Britain Tidy.
The person registering a school, youth group or home-schooled family for the LEAF programme must be over 18 years of age and be in a role or position that enables them to help young people work through the ‘Forest Cycle’ to achieve their LEAF Award.
We suggest this person is: employed by a nursery, school or college, a youth group lead such as a Scout Leader or the parent/guardian responsible for home-schooling.
LEAF Programme Guide
The LEAF programme requires a youth-led, Forest Eco-Committee to work through the Forest Cycle to raise awareness of one of the LEAF Themes that are set globally, by the FAO, on 21st March for International Day of Forests.
Our friends at Frugi and supporters of the LEAF programme have also helped us to create a short handout for families with younger children to help give them a little sample of what the LEAF programme entails. Take part in our ‘Tree’mendous Tasks to be in with a chance of winning some Frugi and Eco-Schools goodies this Spring!
LEAF Award
Schools, youth groups and home schoolers can apply for their LEAF Award between the 1st June and 30th July 2021.
To apply for your LEAF Award between 1st of June and 30th July 2021:
Upload a copy of your LEAF Award application booklet here once the application window opens
You can complete the award application digitally, using a Word version of the LEAF Application which can be downloaded here. Or you can complete a handwritten version with your LEAF participants, which can be found towards the end of the LEAF Programme Guide.
The Eco-Schools England team will be assessing all LEAF Award application booklets throughout June, July and August.
