The power of collaboration and collective purpose

As we look forward to another term and to welcoming more school students to The Forktree Project, it’s timely to reflect on what the students gain from their experience on site.

It’s a given that students of all ages who visit Forktree will learn about biodiversity and the need to protect it as one of many strategies to mitigate the worst effects of the climate crisis. They will also experience the satisfaction, some for the first time, of successfully planting a sapling or of propagating seedlings in the nursery, and will learn why these tasks matter. And they will have their eyes and minds opened to the importance and potential of the circular economy and why we need to manage resources responsibly.

Just as important as these learnings, however, is what students discover about what they themselves are capable of, how to collaborate, and how it feels to contribute purposefully to the greater good. This was eloquently expressed by Ben, a Year 11 student who visited The Forktree Project this term:

“The most enjoyable aspect of the experience was undoubtedly the collaboration between the older students and the younger Year 4 students, and how together, we worked to achieve a common goal. Personally, this experience taught me the immense power of collective action. Seeing the positive impact we could make in just one day was truly eye-opening. The dedication of The Forktree Project and the passionate volunteers involved reminded me of the importance of taking concrete steps to restore and preserve our natural environment. Furthermore, the day reinforced the value of education and awareness. It is crucial to educate others about the significance of small-scale land regeneration and sustainable practices to inspire positive change beyond our immediate efforts.”

Thank you, Ben, for your powerful words, and thank you to all the students and teachers from many different schools for getting involved in the project. Your potential to make a significant difference knows no bounds. You are change-makers.