For a long time Blacksmiths Public School's playground was a barren field with sandy soil, but green shoots are emerging.
Last year Lake Macquarie not-for-profit organisation the Groundswell Collective planted a tiny forest in the school's playground.
The initiative was so popular among students and teachers that plans are under way to plant a second tiny forest.
On Sunday the school and the Groundswell Collective launched a 28-day fundraising campaign for $28,000. The money will be used to buy 600 plants for a 200-square-metre space and cover the cost of organic material, mulch, the landscaping labour and excavation machine hire.
Anna Noon, the director of partnerships and programs at the Groundswell Collective, said Blacksmiths is one of the suburbs with the lowest tree canopy in Lake Macquarie, sitting at 16 per cent.
"Lots of our playgrounds are pretty bare and barren to start with, so they're often quite hot and hostile places," Ms Noon said.
"There's also some really cool research that shows children who have high levels of biodiversity in their playground do better and feel better. They actually perform better academically and better with their mental health and well-being.
"There's some solid studies around that. Plus, we know lots of kids are quite disconnected from nature. A lot of them are spending indoor time on screens."
Native plant species will be used in the tiny forest, such as coastal banksias, eucalypts and palms.
Blacksmiths Public School's relieving principal, Liam Sumbak, said there were clear educational benefits for students since the initial tiny forest was planted.
"They get the opportunity to actually learn about planting trees, seeing them grow and also seeing the wildlife that comes of it," Mr Sumbak said.
"A lot of the students talk about the extra bird life that's in there, insects, and lizards and things that they're noticing.
"There are nice lessons that we can incorporate with climate change and how much land clearing actually happens and has happened around Newcastle."
Mr Sumbak said the school will hold mufti days and stalls to help with the fundraising drive and it has engaged various community groups.
As of Tuesday, the school had raised more than $6200 towards its target.
Arcadia Vale Public School has also contacted the Groundswell Collective about taking part in the tiny forest initiative.
