Nature on the Corner: A Nature Garden for St. Luke's Primary School
Client
Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead Council
Location
Sectors
Products & Services
Project overview
Meristem Design reimagined a corner in Maidenhead by designing and installing an intricate nature garden complete with interactive features fit for students of the local primary school, residents and passers-by. The project also involved planting workshops with children from St. Luke’s Primary School to engage them in their new space and nurture a sense of ownership.
Goal
To transform a once disused street corner in Maidenhead into an immersive nature Garden for both school students and residents to enjoy. Maidenhead council proposed the project to brighten up the busy junction by St Luke’s Primary School and involve the pupils in the process. The aim was to make the space more climate resilient, biodiverse and people-friendly.
Scope
The nature project took place over two phases: the first involved laying down the groundwork of the site and the second included a day of planting workshops with school children. Various interactive features were implemented in both phases to suit the intended visitors of the site and enhance their sensory experience.
Solutions
Meristem designed this nature garden with the interests of the local primary school in mind. Complete with bug hotels, a balance beam and stepping logs, the garden encourages students and young people to enjoy and engage with the space interactively. A broad planting scheme boosts biodiversity and the visual appeal of the site.
Interactive Features
A balance beam, stepping logs and two bug hotels were designed to engage young people and create an inviting space that encourages them to immerse themselves in green spaces.
Continuous Pathway
The pathway leading in and out of the nature garden was designed to naturally join the pavement, creating a seamless and inviting route for the public.
Planting Workshops
Working with the students to complete the planting aspect of the project was intended to give them a sense of ownership in their green space and teach them practical skills.
Edible Plants
To amplify the sensory experience element we included edible plants in the planting scheme which the school can use in other aspects of their curriculum.
Impact
This nature garden project has provided benefits to both the students and teachers, plus local residents and wildlife through its overall boost in wellbeing and biodiversity. Particularly, the garden will have a lasting impact on students as it is located just opposite the school, providing an interesting element to their commute. This project has also kick-started a gardening club at the primary school in which children will continue to have regular hands-on planting sessions.
Increased Student Engagement with Nature
Children now have regular, hands-on experiences with the natural world, sparking curiosity and encouraging outdoor learning through play and exploration.
Boosted Local Biodiversity
The variety of plants and wildlife-friendly features has created new habitats, supporting pollinators, insects, and birds within the school grounds
Enhanced Wellbeing and Active Play
Elements like the balance beam and stepping logs promote physical activity, confidence, and coordination in a natural setting.
Improved Access to Green Space
Located just opposite the school, the garden offers a safe, welcoming, and accessible natural area for students and the wider community to enjoy.
Before
After
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Get in touch
If you like what you've seen in our case study and want to learn more about how this could work in your setting, please get in touch.
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