Tenbury pupils help restore rivers and create greener school grounds
Schoolchildren across Tenbury Wells are playing a central part in a major effort to restore rivers, improve habitats and strengthen climate resilience in the Kyre Brook area.
Supported by the David and Christine Lloyd-Jones Foundation, Severn Rivers Trust is delivering a long-term programme that brings together river restoration, nature-based solutions and hands-on community involvement. Local schools sit at the heart of this work, with pupils helping to create greener school grounds while learning how healthy rivers support both wildlife and people.
Planting the next generation of trees
This winter, children aged seven to eleven from Tenbury CofE and Burford CofE are taking part in tree planting days across their school sites. These new trees will capture rainwater, provide food and shelter for wildlife and support wider improvements happening throughout the catchment. The activity gives pupils a real role in caring for their environment and shows how small actions at school can support the health of the Kyre Brook.
Bringing learning to life
The tree planting builds on a year of wider engagement. Pupils have taken part in river workshops, creative sessions and practical activities that explore how rivers behave, why flooding happens and how habitats can be restored.
Earlier in the year, Priory Primary celebrated the completion of its new nature-friendly outdoor area, which includes a wildlife pond and a planted shelter. These features are now being used for outdoor learning and give pupils daily contact with nature.
New green roof shelters and a pupil-designed mosaic
Before Christmas, the schools will receive new green roof bike shelters. These living roofs will add more plants to the sites, help soak up rainwater and create small patches of habitat for insects and birds.
Pupils have also created designs for a mosaic mural that will form part of their new outdoor spaces. They will help build the mosaic in 2026, creating a colourful community landmark that celebrates local nature.
Part of a bigger picture for the Kyre Brook
These school improvements sit within a wider programme led by Severn Rivers Trust to restore the Kyre Brook, create new wetlands and woodland and work with local landowners to slow the flow of water across the landscape. Together, these actions will reduce flood risk, improve water quality and expand habitat for wildlife. They also create opportunities for local people to learn about river restoration and see it taking place in their own community.
Becky Titchard, River Engagement Officer at Severn Rivers Trust, said:
“The children are such an important part of this bigger story. They’re not just planting trees, they’re learning how their school fits into the wider landscape and how their actions link to the health of the Kyre Brook. Seeing their excitement and pride gives real momentum to the work happening across the area.”Trustees at the David and Christine Lloyd-Jones Foundation said:
“We are delighted to support this work and to see local children taking such an active role in improving their environment. Helping young people understand nature and giving them the chance to shape greener, more resilient places is exactly the sort of impact we hoped this funding would achieve.”
What happens next
The programme continues through 2026 with further tree planting, new rain gardens, outdoor learning sessions and opportunities for families to get involved as the projects develop.
If you live in the Tenbury area and would like to hear more about the work on the Kyre Brook, keep an eye on our website and social channels for updates.
