PRIMARY Schools in Greater Manchester, and Cheshire are being offered free tree packs by the Woodland Trust to transform playgrounds into tree-mendous spaces.

Youngsters are getting the chance to connect with nature, and can look forward to planting a copse or hedge, which can provide a wild harvest, or a burst of year round colour.

The new initiative is funded by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

As well as free tree packs, for eligible schools, there’s help with finding somewhere else to plant if there isn’t room in school grounds; protection to help the trees grow; and on-line curriculum-linked resources to support teachers’ lesson plans.

Schools can apply by visiting the Woodland Trust website or searching for ‘school tree packs’ on-line.