Research analyzing tree coverage across English schools has identified substantial disparities between private and state institutions, as well as between affluent and economically deprived areas. The study mapped all primary and secondary schools nationwide and cross-referenced the data with government woodland datasets to calculate tree cover within a 100-metre radius of school locations.
Private schools demonstrated the highest levels of tree coverage overall. Among state schools, those serving populations with the highest free school meal eligibility rates—an indicator of socioeconomic disadvantage—had 29% less tree cover than schools in more affluent regions. The median tree cover at schools with high free school meal rates stood at 11.7%, compared with 16.3% at schools in wealthier areas. Geographic disparities were equally pronounced, with schools in Blackpool, Bradford, and Luton showing some of the lowest tree cover levels at 4.9%, 7.7%, and comparable figures respectively, while Richmond upon Thames and other affluent areas reached 20% or higher.
Researchers emphasized the cooling benefits trees provide during high temperatures. Trees reduce surface temperatures by up to 12C to 18C through shade and transpiration compared to unshaded asphalt or concrete surfaces. Teachers and environmental scientists noted that tree coverage affects both classroom temperatures and student wellbeing, with accounts from recent weeks describing challenging teaching conditions when temperatures in some classrooms reached 40C. One Plymouth teacher reported experiencing 5-10 degree temperature reductions under mature trees on school grounds.
Conservation organizations and government officials have indicated commitment to addressing these inequalities. The Woodland Trust, which has distributed over 7.5 million free trees to schools across the UK, called for prioritizing tree planting in economically disadvantaged urban areas. The Department for Food, Environment and Rural Affairs indicated it is funding various initiatives to increase urban tree cover, including funding for the Trees Outside Woodland Fund and partnerships with local authorities and the Tree Council to support tree planting in areas of deprivation.
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