Founded in Llinars del Vallès in 2021, mentored by Dr. Martí Boada Juncà

The impetus for this project came from our passion for nature and the challenges students faced during the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2021, we decided to dedicate all our energy to founding a school in nature, with an ecological curriculum fostering a deeper connection between humans and the natural world.

Camille Eichmann (Swiss) and Mercia Silva (Brazilian) hold Master's degrees in Science – Geography from the University of Zurich. Starting a school is no easy task! Our collaboration with other schools and projects was instrumental in designing an ecological curriculum that emphasizes community, non-violent communication, and the Four Primary Dimensions of human experience: Social, Economic, Ecological, and Worldview.

Since 2022, we have also been mentored by Dr. Martí Boada Juncà, a pioneering environmental scientist and educator in Catalonia. Through his vision for a more socioecological world, we have embraced his Socio-Eco Pedagogy, learning to integrate ecological, social, and cultural dimensions into education. His guidance has been invaluable in shaping The Chestnut Tree's approach, helping us foster a deeper, more holistic connection between students and nature.

At The Chestnut Tree, we don't just teach – we practice Social Ecological Education!