William Patten Primary School want to create a new permanent outdoor learning space & biodiverse gardens in 2024 to attract more wildlife in their playgrounds, to help the schoolchildren and the wider community to engage with wildlife and nature, and make the site more climate resilient.

The plans - developed with Hackney Outdoors CIC and biodiversity charity Growing Green London, - include removing 165m2 astroturf from the site; planting more native trees and borders including a sensory garden and nature play garden; introducing a new wildlife habitats including a pond; planting a medicinal herb garden so kids and community can make teas and DIY medicines; and building an all-weather outdoor classroom and water recycling facilities. The image above shows the 'before' and 'after' plans for one of several sites we want to improve at the school, which is currently astroturf. 

Benefits include:

• Helping today and tomorrow's WP schoolchildren get closer to nature, and be better prepared to be guardians of the environment.

• Create vital new habitats for a range of urban wildlife.

• Creating new spaces the school can open up to the wider community for nature wellness & experience sessions at weekends, after-school and during holiday times.

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