The activities in this step are the practical implementation of the planning undertaken to date. Ideally students will be able to physically plant trees in the school environment to put their plan into action.

In this step, students will:

• practice safe working when active outdoors

• plant trees and groundcover shrubs

• learn how to look after the plants into the future

• reflect on their positive impact on the local environment.

Outdoors is a fun place to be and we associate it with play activities like sport and running. When we are working in the outdoor environment however, there are certain things we need to do to stay safe.

To start with, we need to watch the weather forecast and check if it is going to be hot, cold or wet. What should we wear to match the conditions? If it's hot we will need a sunhat and sunscreen. If it's cold, we will need warm clothes, maybe even a beanie. If it's wet, a raincoat and gumboots are a good idea. Whatever the weather, if we are working outdoors it is a good idea to wear strong, closed shoes like boots. Remember that your shoes will probably get mud on them.

People who work in the natural environment wear long sleeves and long pants, boots, broad-brim hats and high visibility clothing, like many of our NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service field staff.

If we are going to be working with soil or vegetation we should always wear gloves. This will protect us from germs and will stop scratches or splinters – think of them like a shield. However, gloves are not perfect so even after we take the gloves off we should always wash our hands.

What else should we think about?

• Be careful where you walk – don’t step on plants, be aware of tripping on rocks and holes or getting poked with sticks.

• When you are using tools, be cautious about waving them about and keep them low to the ground. Always use tools properly and use the right tool for the job. For example, don't try to prune a branch with a pair of scissors or try to dig a hole with a spoon. Just like we don’t cut paper with secateurs or eat yoghurt with a shovel.

• Look out for wildlife! Snakes, insects and spiders can be dangerous so avoid them. Just step away and call an adult. Remember though, that this is their home so try not to kill things just because they scare you. They need somewhere to live just like you do.