Trees Are So Special

A screen-free nature and photography project for curious children and young people

Step outside, slow down, and discover the quiet magic of the trees around us.

Trees Are So Special is a mindful, hands-on creative project where children and young people explore their local environment through analogue photography, noticing shape, texture, light, colour and detail in a way that everyday life often rushes past.

Without screens, scrolling or instant results, participants are encouraged to observe more carefully, think more deeply, and create more intentionally. Through the use of film or Polaroid photography, they learn how to frame images, tell stories visually, and connect with nature in a calm and meaningful way.

Neon-style illustration featuring a clock and an hourglass with a purple and blue color scheme.
Neon digital illustration of a calendar with check mark and down arrow icons, glowing in purple and pink hues against a dark background.
Three stylized, abstract human figures with gradient colors from blue to pink against a dark background.

5 to 18 years old

Weekends

1 hour. 2-3 sessions

Nature

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Storytelling

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Mindfulness

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Nature - Storytelling - Mindfulness -

Discovering the Beauty and Benefit of Local Trees

Trees Are So Special invites children and young people to see trees differently, not simply as part of the background, but as living presences that support wildlife, improve wellbeing, shape local identity and quietly enrich everyday life.

Through guided observation and analogue photography, participants explore trees with fresh eyes. They begin to notice bark patterns, branches, shadows, leaves, scale, movement and atmosphere, while learning how images can tell stories about place, care and connection.

The project offers a rare opportunity to step away from digital distraction and experience creativity in a slower, more grounded way.

Enquire about this project
An infographic with four sections highlighting features of an outdoor activity or program. The sections include icons and text: a sun and phone icon for "Screen-Free Creativity"; a shield with a checkmark icon for "Trusted & Safe"; a person with a checklist icon for "Tailored to Your Child"; and a tree with a clipboard icon for "Tangible Outcome."

a SLOW, SCREEN - FREE CREATIVE EXPERIENCE IN NATURE

In a world of fast content and constant stimulation, this project gives children something increasingly valuable: the chance to pause.

Trees Are So Special invites children and young people to step outside and notice what’s always been there: the trees that shape local life, support wildlife and quietly help our wellbeing.

This is not only about photography. It is about attention, patience, creativity and helping children build a real relationship with the natural world around them.

Using analogue photography means there is no instant preview, no endless retakes and no pressure to perform for a screen. Instead, children are encouraged to be present, make thoughtful decisions and enjoy the creative process as it unfolds. This slower rhythm helps nurture confidence, patience and genuine curiosity, while also making the final outcome feel even more special.

Sun shining through green trees in a park with people biking, sitting on benches, and relaxing on the grass.

go analogue

Analogue photography brings a sense of wonder that digital image-making often loses.

Each photograph matters. Each frame asks for care, thought and intention. Children learn to trust their eye, engage with their surroundings and appreciate the excitement of creating something tangible and real.

For many families, it also offers something beautifully refreshing: a creative experience that feels calm, memorable and completely away from screens.

    • Slows children down in nature.

    • Encourages care and patience.

    • Removes distraction and instant judgement.

    • Builds observation and creative confidence.

    • Produces meaningful, tangible outcomes.

    • Camera handling.

    • Framing & composition.

    • Observational photography.

    • Editing & sequencing.

    • Visual storytelling.

    • Environmental awareness.

  • By the end of the project, your child will create a Mini Photo Zine: Trees Are So Special, a curated story of their photographs, printed and captioned. Participants then will:

    • Build a personal connection to local trees.

    • Understand the benefits of green spaces.

    • Develop creative confidence.

    • Printed images with captions.

    • Sequenced storytelling through photos.

    • Optional weather-safe outdoor display near the trees.

    • Feel pride and responsibility for their environment.

aims & benefits

Creative

Develop analogue photography skills.

Build confidence in observation and framing.

Explore texture, light, form and scale.

Environmental

Increase awareness of local trees and green spaces.

Understand how trees benefit health, wildlife and climate.

Encourage care and stewardship of local environments.

Well-being

Promote calm, focused outdoor activity.

Encourage connection to place.

Support mental well-being through nature engagement.

materials

  • Analogue camera.

  • Tripod.

  • Film or Polaroid.

  • Sketchbook.

Provided by the artist.

Outline of an open briefcase with a gradient color of blue to purple.
Icon of a stack of coins with a larger coin in front, rendered in a gradient of purple and blue colors.

ESTIMATED COST

£350 for 3 days.

Get started today

Start a Project Enquiry

About the Project Leader

David

Artist, Photographer & Arts Educator

David is an artist, photographer and senior arts educator with over 25 years of professional creative practice and extensive experience in higher education.

He is a faculty member in the Cultural and Creative Industries Department at Barking & Dagenham College and Programme Leader at the University of East London, School of Arts and Digital Industries. David holds a BA (Hons) in Photography and a Certificate in Education and has been teaching Photography, Art and Design since 2008.

Alongside his academic career, David has worked as an art photographer and publisher since 1997, bringing real-world creative industry insight into his teaching. He is fully Enhanced DBS certified and known for his calm, thoughtful approach to nurturing creativity, critical thinking and visual literacy in young people.