A PRIMARY school that has been planting trees, recycling and litter picking has been recognised for its ‘green’ efforts.

Fringford C of E Primary School near Bicester received a gold award from conservation charity The Woodland Trust for its eco-friendly activities.

The charity’s Green Tree Schools initiative, which has seen more than 12,000 schools sign up to since it was launched in 2008, offers the opportunity to bring the great outdoors, wildlife and green issues into the classroom.

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Schools win awards for protecting the environment such as tree planting, reducing carbon emissions and recycling.

Fringford pupils have planted new trees in the grounds, visited local woods, cut their carbon emissions and joined other Woodland Trust activities.

Headteacher Franco Pastore said: “It is wonderful for our pupils to see their efforts recognised by the Woodland Trust.

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"At Fringford we are all passionate about protecting our local environment for future generations.”

The achievements of the school are recognised through an awards scheme where it receives points for taking part in activities.

Karen Letten, Woodland Trust schools and communities engagement manager, said: “The scheme promotes a range of opportunities, each designed to stimulate a child’s imagination and sustain their interest in woods and trees.

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“As they reach milestones within the project they will receive bronze and silver certificates and then an attractive wooden plaque which acknowledges they’ve achieved the environmental accolade of a gold award.

“I hope Fringford School will now consider going for our next accolade, the prestigious platinum award.”

The Woodland Trust’s vision is to see a UK rich in native woods and trees for people and wildlife.

Established in 1972, the Woodland Trust now has over 1,000 sites in its care covering over 22,500 hectares. Access to its woods is free.

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The charity, which has more than 500,000 supporters, is dedicated to creating new woodland with help from communities and schools, and protecting and restoring ancient woodland for future generations to cherish.

East Hanney Parish Council wants to plant 600 new trees in a bid to improve air quality and to protect the village from flooding.

It organised a community tree planting day earlier this year where groups planted saplings provided by The Woodland Trust and volunteering charity The Conservation Volunteers.

The Green Tree Schools Award is free for schools to take part in and the Woodland Trust is also offering free packs of trees to schools that can be planted.

Find out how your school can get involved at woodlandtrust.org.uk/schools.