A special piece of local history planted at Hallam Fields Primary School

The sapling, grown from the seed of the famous Great Bradgate Oak at Bradgate Park, now has a new home on one of the highest points of the school grounds. From this spot, pupils can see Old John Tower, creating a visible link between the school and the landscape the tree came from.

Supporting Nature as the School Grows

With building work for the school’s expansion underway, Hallam Fields Primary and the project’s construction partner - Wilmott Dixon – are committed to enhancing the site’s natural environment.

The planting of the Bradgate Oak marks the beginning of a wider series of improvements designed to support Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) — an approach that ensures the school extension development leaves the natural environment in a measurably better state than before. Working alongside Willmott Dixon, we are introducing new planting, habitats and green features that will help local wildlife thrive for years to come.

The extension itself will add seven new classrooms, a small hall and additional facilities, enabling Hallam Fields to grow to two‑form entry in response to meet the growing needs of the local community

A Hands-On Experience for Pupils

Pupils from both Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2 played a central role in planting the tree. Together with staff, they prepared the ground, laid compost and helped position the delicate young oak — currently just a slender young sapling, but full of promise.

To spark imagination, the school has installed a sign calling it “The Magic Faraway Oak,” inspired by Enid Blyton’s beloved Faraway Tree stories. The name is intended to help children form a lasting connection with the tree as it grows alongside them.

Learning About Heritage, Nature and Stewardship

The planting has already become a valuable learning moment for pupils, giving them the chance to explore local heritage, ecology and the importance of environmental stewardship—key elements of the school’s curriculum and values.

Head of School, Ifat Sultana, described the event as “a special moment for our school community,” adding:

“It connects our pupils to the heritage of the local area and gives them something meaningful to care for as it grows. We are proud to have this young tree on our grounds and look forward to watching it become part of Hallam Fields for many years to come.”

Hannah Darby, Build Manager at Willmott Dixon said: "Working with our landscape architects DSA Environment and Design Ltd, we wanted the biodiversity improvements at Hallam Fields to feel genuinely meaningful to the school community as an activity that pupils were excited to get involved with.

Planting a sapling grown from the Great Bradgate Oak, with all the local history that carries, and linking it to the Faraway Tree stories is the kind of approach that helps engage current and future pupils and be something they will connect with for years to come."

A Tree for Today—and Generations to Come

While still small, the Bradgate Oak sapling represents something far bigger: community pride, environmental responsibility and a living reminder of the county’s rich history. As the school expands, this young tree will grow with it—offering shade, wildlife habitat and inspiration for future generations at Hallam Fields.