Free tree training courses and guides for Glasgow’s young people

Thousands of young people in Glasgow will have the opportunity to learn all about trees and the part they play in the ecology of the city during a series of special training courses this spring and beyond. 

The Trees for Climate Action project, a partnership between the Field Studies Council and Trees for Cities, will help people aged 12-30 to build their knowledge about trees and learn new skills from environmental professionals and experienced volunteers.  

Over the next two years, the project aims to engage 20,000 young people in two cities across two nations: Bradford and Glasgow, starting with a variety of free training courses in Glasgow. 

Funded by a National Lottery Community Fund Bringing People Together grant, the project will bring generations together to share knowledge, skills and life experiences so that they can work, learn and take positive action to help tackle the climate crisis. 

Rebecca Jones, biodiversity learning development officer for the Field Studies Council, said: “For people aged 12-30 living in Glasgow, this is a chance to join thousands of other young people in the city to learn more about trees, improve their wellbeing and help protect the natural environment.  

“For those who work with young people either in a work, school or community setting, it’s also a great opportunity for them to encourage individuals to take part in this initiative.” 

As part of the project, the Field Studies Council will provide free, introductory training courses in Glasgow, both in person and online, to upskill and professionalise local people.  

It will also post hundreds of free easy-to-use guides about Glasgow trees to families and community groups throughout spring and then again in autumn.  

“The guides have been created with input from Glasgow communities for Glasgow communities and they provide a learning pathway for people to get to know their city trees and explore related volunteer and career roles,“ added Rebecca.  

Topics such as tree biology and ecology, seasonal identification of urban species and opportunities to engage and work with trees locally will be covered in the courses and guides. 

The first training course in Glasgow will take place on April 28, from 10am until 4:30pm, at Milngavie Community Centre on Allander Road. 

People who have taken part in previous tree training from the Field Studies Council have been glowing in their praise.  

Participant Tess Agnew said: "I loved looking at and learning about all the features of a tree, such as buds and bark, and it was really interesting to learn about the biodiversity that trees support.  

Jeff Wakeham said: “I came on the in-person course as I wanted to practice some actual tree spotting in the field to build my confidence, as sometimes out on your own you can doubt yourself, but in a group it’s nice to have your thoughts backed up by the tutor and other learners. I am hoping to retrain to work with trees in some way, maybe using trees to help fight climate change, not only planting trees but also using them for flood prevention, for cooling in cities, and biodiversity as well.” 

Course tutor Biliana Deneva added: “The highlight of every course is when people start noticing the trees we have talked about - it’s that moment you see their eyes light up and they recognise and remember what they’ve learned. It’s amazing – you can see the connection forming and hopefully it will stay there and it will continue and they will pass on that connection.” 

Individuals, families, groups and secondary schools can register before April 10 to receive their free tree guide by emailing trees@field-studies-council.org or filling in the online form here 

To register for the training course email trees@field-studies-council.org or fill in the online form here. The deadline for registrations is April 3. 

In addition to offering free tree guides and training courses, the Field Studies Council is also recruiting new tree trainers so that it can add to its programme of events. For more details on how to become a trainer visit https://www.field-studies-council.org/teach-natural-history or email trees@field-studies-council.org. 

More information about the Trees for Climate Action Project can be found here.  

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Editors notes

Field Studies Council 

Field Studies Council (est. 1943) is an environmental education charity helping people understand and be inspired by the natural world through its national network of partners, tutors, and field centres. The charity is a leading provider of natural history training courses online and in community spaces to encourage young people and adults take their first steps and continue their learning in the environmental sector. The Field Studies Council is a leading publisher of wildlife identification guides relied on by families, volunteers and professionals to access and record the UK’s biodiversity. 

 Trees for Cities 

Trees for Cities is the only UK charity working at a national and international scale to improve lives by planting trees in cities. We get stuck in with local communities to cultivate lasting change in their neighbourhoods – whether it’s revitalising forgotten spaces, creating healthier environments or getting people excited about growing, foraging and eating healthy food. 

 National Lottery Community Fund 

We are the largest funder of community activity in the UK – we support people and  communities to prosper and thrive. We’re proud to award money raised by National Lottery players to communities across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, and to work closely with Government to distribute vital grants and funding from key Government programmes and initiatives. Our funding has a positive impact and makes a difference to people’s lives. We support projects focused on things that matter, including economic prosperity, employment, young people, mental health, loneliness and helping the UK reach net zero by 2050. Thanks to the support of National Lottery players, our funding is open to everyone. We’re privileged to be able to work with the smallest of local groups right up to UK-wide charities, enabling people and communities to bring their ambitions to life. National Lottery players raise over £30 million each week for good causes throughout the UK. Since The National Lottery began in 1994, £43 billion has been raised for good causes. National Lottery funding has been used to support over 635,000 projects - 255 projects per postcode area.