Our Linden Tree on the Move: Sustainability in Action
This autumn, a mature linden tree on our campus was carefully relocated to a new position within the grounds of our school, making space for the development of new sports facilities. Rather than removing the tree, we chose to preserve it — a decision that led to a complex and carefully planned operation carried out entirely on our campus.
The project was supervised by two UK specialists from Ruskins Trees & Soil Biology Ltd and represents the first relocation in Romania of a tree of this size. Bringing together scientific expertise and engineering precision, the operation demonstrated how development and environmental responsibility can progress side by side within our school environment.
Planning and Precision
Relocating a mature tree requires extensive preparation and technical coordination. Over several weeks, the soil on our site was analysed and stabilised, while the root system was carefully prepared for safe transfer. The tree canopy was pruned to reduce wind load and water stress, supporting its recovery following transplantation.
The specialists from Ruskins Trees & Soil Biology Ltd applied a non-invasive technique designed to protect the integrity of the root system. The soil surrounding the roots was gradually cut and shaped into a compact root ball, avoiding the use of heavy machinery. This approach preserves the tree’s structure and supports its adaptation to new soil conditions on our campus.
“The careful handling of the plant is the most challenging part. Each tree is different and you only discover what you are dealing with once you start digging. It requires engineering decisions on the spot and constant adjustments to protect the roots and maintain the tree’s stability throughout the process,”
said Keith Morley, Managing Director at Ruskins Trees & Soil Biology Ltd (UK).
The tree and its root ball weighed an estimated 35–45 tonnes. To ensure the biological system was moved gently, it was pulled approximately 50 metres across our grounds using a 300 kg chain. Steel pipes were used as rollers to reduce friction, together with a carefully engineered steel raft designed to support the system while sustaining the significant forces required to move such a heavy structure.
This process brought together principles of physics, engineering and mathematics — concepts familiar to students from GCSE to A-Level — allowing them to see clearly how classroom learning connects with real-world challenges taking place right here at our school.
Once in its final position, the area around the tree was backfilled with careful attention to soil layering, using the same topsoil from its original location to maintain compatible microbiology and maximise recovery.
Sustainability in Practice
The relocation offered students a clear and tangible example of sustainability in action within their own school community. It showed how thoughtful planning, research and collaboration can reduce environmental impact while supporting responsible development.
“This tree has been sequestering carbon since it first started to grow. If we cut it down and chip it, that carbon is released back into the atmosphere and we lose all future carbon capture. Planting a new tree in its place means losing around 35 years of carbon sequestration. We cannot keep cutting trees down when many of them can be saved,”
Keith Morley explained.
The initiative forms part of BSB’s wider environmental strategy, guided by the 6 R’s of Sustainability — Rethink, Refuse, Reduce, Reuse, Repurpose and Recycle. These principles inform projects across our campus, including waste management, energy efficiency and biodiversity.
Education with Perspective
At the British School of Bucharest, academic excellence is closely linked to personal development, environmental awareness and real-world understanding. Recognised by the Independent Schools Inspectorate as ‘Excellent’ in all areas, our school follows the National Curriculum for England and complements it with a co-curricular programme that develops independence, creativity and critical thinking.
The relocation of our linden tree reflects this broader educational philosophy, connecting knowledge with lived experience and visible outcomes within our school community.
“Demonstrating that with the physics and science we teach in school one can make a meaningful change shows students that big ideas are not far out of their grasp. Instead of abstract examples, we can now use real scenarios from our own campus,”
said Tudor Atanasiu, Head of Innovation and Technology at the British School of Bucharest.
At BSB, Concern for the Planet is one of four guiding principles, alongside Concern for Others, Concern for Eco-Education and Concern for Wellbeing. Together, these values shape learning, daily life and the culture of our school.
Continuity and Commitment
Now successfully replanted, our linden tree remains an integral part of our school’s landscape. Its relocation illustrates how progress and environmental care can move forward together through expertise, foresight and thoughtful planning.
The success of the operation will be monitored over the next five years, during which the tree will go through an adaptation period and receive dedicated care from our maintenance team.
Our school educates more than 700 students aged 2 to 18 from over 65 nationalities. Located in Pipera, our campus offers a green, reflective environment that supports learning, collaboration and wellbeing, preparing young people to contribute with purpose to a changing world.
