SCHOOLS across Craven are being given a unique chance to nurture and inspire a new generation of nature lovers.

The Woodland Trust - which manages Skipton Woods, behind the town's medieval castle - has announced an exciting new package which, among other things, will offer free specialist advice, support and encouragement to schools to get their pupils involved in the outdoors.

Thanks to funding from players of People’s Postcode Lottery, the trust has recruited a new woodland learning officer who will work side by side with schools - encouraging them to get out with youngsters to visit woods, plant trees on their grounds and teach them about the importance of trees and nature. Mel Frances will also encourage schools to enter and support them through the charity’s Green Tree Schools Award. The award allows schools to gain points for completing activities such as tree planting and environmental activities - and progress through bronze, silver and gold levels to the prestigious platinum award.

The trust's schools and communities engagement manager, Karen Letten said the 'nature packages' were an exciting opportunity for local schools.

“Our Green Tree Schools Award has been running for eight years and we have over 8,500 schools across the country taking part," she said. " However, we saw a unique opportunity in the Skipton area to reach out to new schools even more through a new woodland learning officer.

“The area is blessed by having our beautiful Skipton Castle Woods on its doorstep and we will be targeting schools near there to offer varying levels of specialist support, guidance and inspiration.

“As a charity, we are passionate about protecting the beautiful woods that we have and one way to keep preserving these environments in the future is by inspiring a new generation of nature lovers. The Green Tree Schools Award does just that and I can tell you - it is quite an achievement for a school to reach platinum level."

Skipton's new woodland officer said she was looking forward to her new role. "I'm really looking forward to supporting schools through the Green Tree Schools Award, inspiring children and young people to enjoy, experience and influence their local woodland, wildlife and habitats in a 'hands on' way. This is an exciting opportunity to nurture people and nature whilst learning and having fun.”

Thanks to support from players of People’s Postcode Lottery, as well as Skipton, the Woodland Trust has also rolled out similar packages to schools in two other areas - County Durham and Heartwood Forest.

Clara Govier, Head of Charities at People’s Postcode Lottery said: “We’re delighted our players are supporting the work of the Woodland Trust encouraging outdoor learning and helping teachers inspire their pupils about woods, trees and wildlife.”

Skipton Woods is a favourite spot for walkers and nature lovers, and is ideally placed in the centre of town. The area contains a wide variety of plants and wildlife, including Kingfishers, bats and deer, and features some excellent pathways which follow the Leeds and Liverpool Canal, and the castle ramparts.

It is a rare ancient woodland habitat straight off the high street with a fascinating history that dates back a thousand years, stunning seasonal displays, amazing wildlife and a central location.

As one of the Woodland Trust’s most unique sites, there’s lots for nature-lovers and families to see and do.

The Woodland Trust is the largest woodland conservation charity in the country, and has more than half a million supporters.

Its main aims are to protect ancient woodland which is rare, unique an irreplaceable, and

to restore damaged ancient woodland, bringing precious pieces of natural history back to life. It also aims to plant native trees and woods with the aim of creating resilient landscapes for people and wildlife.

Established in 1972, the trust cares for more than a thousand sites covering more than 22,500 hectares, and all with free access.

For more information on the woodland trust, visit the website at skipton.woodlandtrust.org.uk. For more details about the Green Tree School Awards, visit woodlandtrust.org.uk/get-involved/schools/green-tree-school-award/

The Woodland Trust is the largest woodland conservation charity in the UK. It has over 500,000 supporters. It wants to see a UK rich in native woods and trees for people and wildlife.

The Trust has three key aims: i) protect ancient woodland which is rare, unique and irreplaceable, ii) restoration of damaged ancient woodland, bringing precious pieces of our natural history back to life, iii) plant native trees and woods with the aim of creating resilient landscapes 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.