LEWISHAM SCHOOLS
…438 Lewisham school trees and counting
Greening playgrounds
We have worked with 47 Lewisham schools to date, planting trees!
We also work with teachers and students to share the benefits of trees and inspire the next generation to get planting. Read our case studies below.
Deptford Park Primary School
We have worked with 47 schools in Lewisham to date and Deptford Park Primary is a real highlight for us, the school had previously been barren of much greenery. It is adjacent to one of London’s top 50 most polluted roads, with no trees around the school, and no space for planting in any pavements nearby. After initial apprehension, the school joined the programme and now 26 trees have transformed the area inside the school grounds.
Ken Johnson, Headteacher, Deptford Park Primary says;
“The trees have been a wonderful addition to our playgrounds. I was delighted when our trees were planted. They thrive in our playground and greatly enrich our urban environment. The trees are an attractive focal point as well as providing our children with an opportunity to nurture them and water them. They also gain first-hand experience of learning how to show respect for living things. Our trees are much appreciated by the school community - we all need nature”
Rathfern Primary School
The School Trees Project also enabled future green infrastructure opportunities within Deptford Park Primary and Rathfern Primary, whereby Lewisham Council and Trees for Cities worked together to create rainwater gardens in the playgrounds. The two schools were identified as vulnerable to climate and are on the Department for Education’s top 5% flood risk list and have a high rating on the GLA’s Climate Risk Map.
Rathfern Primary School’s playground now features trees, planters and seating and will capture rainwater that will supply water to the gardens.
Michelle Henderson-Vieira, Global Learning Lead, Rathfern Primary School said;
”It has transformed our concrete playground into a greener space. We now have a rain garden, veg and herb garden, tree pits and rainwater raised beds. This has all helped with combating flooding and reducing heat stress. The most rewarding part of it all is seeing the children enjoy using the space, sitting under the tree pits, engaging with the watering and enjoying spotting all the bees and wildlife that have benefited from this too.”
Grinling Gibbons Primary School
Grinling Gibbons planted five trees outside of their school in 2021-22, four directly outside of the school entrance and one on a street nearby, viewed by families passing on their way to and from the school, and that the school also helps to looks after.
In 2022-23, with the support of sponsors Regular Cleaning, they added three extra fruit trees within the school grounds, in a new green and grassy area including benches where children can sit and eat their lunch in the shade and close to the trees.
Amber Lyseight, Mental Health and Pastoral Lead at Grinling Gibbons, had the following to say about the project:
Your school could be next!
‘My class made a Hopes and Dreams woodland today. They wrote their hopes and wishes inside and decorated the outside to represent them.’
— Kilmorie Primary School, Perry Vale