A legendary week of learning: Tree surgeons, timber Ted and big dreams
This week, New Leaf Learning had the absolute pleasure of welcoming three real legends into the classroom: Tom Watters (MCGI), Renée Watters, and the incomparable David from Rockleigh Limited. Their mission? To open a window into the world of tree surgery—and they certainly didn’t disappoint.
From the moment they arrived, our visitors had the children completely captivated. They talked openly about their work, answered every question thrown their way, and brought the world of arboriculture to life in the most engaging, hands-on way.
Timber Ted’s big rescue
The highlight of the day? Without a doubt, the daring rescue of Timber Ted, who had—naturally—found himself perched at the top of a tall beech tree. With professional skill and plenty of good humour, our guests demonstrated exactly how a tree surgeon approaches a high-level rescue. The children watched in awe as Ted was safely returned to the ground.
Timber Ted’s big rescue at New Leaf Learning
A swing, a sling and a seriously cool den
The excitement didn’t stop there. The team even gave the children a chance to swing in the sling, offering a safe, memorable taste of what it feels like to be suspended like a real arborist. And if that wasn’t enough, they then joined forces with our young learners to build what may genuinely be the most spectacular den ever constructed on our New Leaf grounds.
By the end of the day, the classroom was buzzing. Many children left with brand-new ambitions—and some even declared they might want to become tree surgeons themselves!
Why ROCKLEIGH are true role models
Beyond their practical skill, what makes Rockleigh truly exceptional is their forward-thinking recruitment ethos. They often employ young people who may be unsure about their next steps or who may have found school challenging—perhaps because of a C-condition such as ASD, ADHC, or dyslexia. Their belief in nurturing potential, rather than judging limitations, aligns beautifully with New Leaf’s mission.
Their commitment has not gone unnoticed—they are winners of a King’s Award, a huge national recognition of excellence. We couldn’t be prouder to collaborate with such an inspiring organisation.
A Huge Thank You
To Tom, Renée, and David: thank you for giving our learners a day they will never forget. Your passion, kindness, and openness have sparked curiosity, confidence, and big dreams. That’s what New Leaf Learning is all about—creating moments that help children see new possibilities in themselves and in the world around them.