At NUCASTLE, a group of young people came together with a shared goal: to make a lasting difference to their community. Through the KEY+ Challenge, The Giving Tree Crew decided to take action in a way that would benefit both people and the planet – by planting fruit trees that will support local wellbeing and strengthen the environment for years to come.

Their project was inspired by a passion to improve green spaces and create something meaningful that others could enjoy. The fruit grown from the trees will eventually be donated to the fruit pantry onsite, ensuring the impact of the project continues long after the planting. To make the area even more welcoming and vibrant, the group are also planting wildflowers around the trees, transforming the space into something beautiful and full of life.

One of the group members, Ala, said: “I wanted to do it to help the community and the ecosystem… [but] I mainly wanted to do it because it bettered something in myself as well.”

To bring their idea to life, the group worked through the KEY+ process step-by-step. They researched their options, planned their approach, explored costs, and prepare the area for planting. The hands-on work included digging holes, removing brambles, clearing rubbish, and transforming the space into a place the community could be proud of.

Pheobe reflected on how enjoyable the KEY+ journey was: “I think every step had it’s perks and things, so I think planning it was quite fun, like researching all the prices and things and actually doing it as well, being outside and working together.”

Ala also spoke about how rewarding it was to see the area change: “I think just like cleaning the area up for us to plant the fruit tees – how it looks now is really nice.”

As the project progressed, the group began to notice how much they were learning along the way. Ala explained how the experience helped develop their skills: “I think that the group has developed skills because we’ve been helping each other with the area we had to clear out… it was really fun to do that project together.”

And the impact of the KEY+ Challenge was clear in how the young people spoke about themselves. Ala shared how the project changed their outlook and confidence: “New outlook on the future and I have built confidence in myself as well as communication skills because I still struggle a bit, but I try to do my best to communicate.”

Phoebe described how meaningful it felt to see the result of their hard work: “I think being able to go out the back of the building and see the trees planted, I just think that’s really amazing that we get to see all of our hard work.”

When asked what the group were most proud of, Ala highlighted the personal growth the group achieved together: “I’m most proud of the fact that as a team we did a project together and we helped each other grow and we’ve built more confidence in each and everyone of us and I think that’s a really really good thing.”

For other young people thinking about taking part in KEY+, Ala and Phoebe shared their advice:

• Ala: “I would say go for it because it really helps you when you do these projects because you never know if you can accomplish things or you think you won’t be able to build confidence or any skills, but you can.”
• Phoebe: “It’s a really good experience to do, it’s really worthwhile.”

With fruit trees planted, wildflowers on the way, and plans for the fruit to support the onsite pantry, The Giving Tree Crew have created a project that is about more than the environment – it’s about community, connection, and leaving a legacy that will grow for years to come. Well done group!