John Keble Nature Garden

We revitalised an unloved outdoor tarmac space in John Keble Primary School in Brent and created a nature playground to offer the children an engaging space to connect with nature, relax and play. 

To transform the outdoor space into an interactive, natural learning environment and also improve air quality around the school grounds. 

The playground features a nature pond, wildflower turf, sensory wall, willow screening, bird box cameras, and pollution-reducing green screens along the busy A404.

One of the main considerations of the project was striking the right balance between educational functionality and durability, especially in a busy urban school setting. The outdoor space needed to be both a hands-on learning environment and a safe, low-maintenance area that could withstand regular use by children. 

The design seeks to offer children, of all ages, a connection with nature, providing them an outdoor learning space where they can be creative and imaginative. The school’s new facility includes a nature pond with native planting and dipping stations, over 35 square metres of wildflower turf, a sensory wall with climbers such as Jasmine, honeysuckle and clematis, a hazel tunnel, a climb through feature, teepees and willow screening, native trees and over 60 plants. 

Bird box cameras offer students a learning opportunity with the scope for students to stay connected via a live feed to the school website. A bat box has also been installed in the existing horse chestnut tree.  

The green screens were carefully designed using a combination of plants that are known for their ability to absorb airborne pollutants, improving the air quality around the school.

The nature playground has provided the school with an enriching outdoor learning environment that encourages children to engage with nature and learn about sustainability, biodiversity, and the environment. The addition of sensory and interactive elements, such as the nature pond has allowed children to explore their surroundings, enhancing their educational experience and fostering a sense of environmental stewardship. 

The green screens have had a direct impact on improving air quality around the school, reducing the pollutants from the nearby busy road and creating a healthier environment for the children and staff. The screens also offer a calming and aesthetically pleasing backdrop to the playground, making it a more inviting space for children to play and learn.

The project has also had a positive impact on the local ecology, supporting biodiversity through the introduction of plants that attract pollinators and birds.