Commonweal School Marks Centenary with New Tree Trail

Swindon school plants 150 trees to celebrate 100 years, creating an educational legacy for future generations.

Generic image of young trees with diverse leaf shapes planted in a school field.
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Generic image of young trees with diverse leaf shapes planted in a school field.

Commonweal School in Swindon is celebrating its 100th anniversary by establishing a new evolutionary tree trail on its grounds, planting 150 trees to create a lasting educational resource.

The project, supported by Swindon Borough Council, the Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs' (DEFRA) Trees for Climate scheme, the Great Western Community Forest, and Wiltshire Wildlife Trust, involves students planting a variety of species including Ginkgo, Monkey Puzzle, Silver Birch, and Tulip trees. A dedicated orchard space will also feature apple, cherry, and plum trees.
The tree trail is designed as a science-based educational resource to showcase tree evolution, enhance biodiversity, and improve climate resilience. Representatives from the Council, Wiltshire Wildlife Trust, and Commonweal School participated in the planting event on 4 November. Professor Evelyn Welch, Vice-Chancellor and President of the University of Bristol, also attended, noting a full circle moment as her predecessor opened the school 100 years ago.
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"Reaching a 100-year milestone is a remarkable achievement for Commonweal School, and it’s fitting that this anniversary is being marked with something that will benefit both current and future generations. These trees will do far more than enhance the school grounds. They will support biodiversity, improve climate resilience and provide a unique outdoor learning resource for pupils for decades to come. What has impressed me most is the enthusiasm shown by the students themselves. Their passion for the environment and commitment to tackling the challenges of the future is inspiring. I look forward to seeing this tree trail grow and thrive, and I hope every pupil who studies here feels proud to be part of its story."

Councillor Jake Chandler · Swindon Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for Strategy, Resilience and Green Infrastructure
Chas Drew, Headteacher of Commonweal School, expressed pride in the students' and staff's involvement and gratitude for the support from the University of Bristol, Swindon Borough Council, and Wiltshire Wildlife Trust.
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"A hundred years ago my predecessor, Professor Loveday, was here to open Commonweal School and he knew how important education in a leafy, environment with playing fields was for young people. He really believed in this school so it’s an enormous pleasure to be back here to celebrate the centenary."

Professor Evelyn Welch · Vice-Chancellor and President of the University of Bristol
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"It has been a privilege to be able to work with Commonweal School as they celebrate their 100th anniversary. The students have been great to work with and enthusiastic in getting their hands dirty to help us plant the first set of trees in this project. It’s wonderful to think that these students will be able to return in the years ahead and see how the trees they planted have grown and developed. The trees that we have planted are not only a great way to celebrate the anniversary, but they will also provide an educational resource for future generations of students. The species selected have been chosen to show the students the diversity of trees, showcasing the different ways they grow, reproduce and how they have evolved over time both naturally and through human intervention. We are hoping this project will help the students feel more connected to nature and enable them to witness the remarkable variation within trees that often goes unnoticed."

Joseph Gillard · Trees for Climate Project Officer at Wiltshire Wildlife Trust
Based on information from the official source: Swindon Borough Council (05/11/2026)