Creating healthy green spaces that promote wellbeing, learning, and sustainability.
Integrating green infrastructure like rain gardens, Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS) planters, and green screens brings numerous environmental and community benefits.
These sustainable features not only help manage stormwater and reduce pollution but also enhance biodiversity to create vibrant, healthier outdoor spaces for educational institutions.
Better Flood Control
Rain gardens and SuDS planters absorb rainwater, reducing the risk of campus flooding and easing pressure on local drainage systems.
Cleaner Air
Green plant screens filter pollutants and absorb CO₂, creating fresher, healthier air for students and staff.
Learning and wellbeing
These green spaces provide students with learning opportunities about nature while creating habitats for local wildlife and mindful spaces for students and staff.
Reducing Temperature
Plants help cool the area, reducing the need for air conditioning and making outdoor spaces more comfortable.
Reconnecting school children with nature
We provide nature workshops for school children where they can delve into the fascinating world of plant science, focusing on the crucial roles soil, seeds and plants play in our lives. The sessions are hands-on, with sensory practical integration exercises that ignite curiosity and a love for gardening and the environment.
School children can benefit from learning about pollinator friendly plants, edible planting and how plants can make urban and grey spaces more climate resilient.
The workshops encourage a sense of responsibility and connection to nature as students personally select and plant their own seeds and plants, providing them the opportunity to be active participants in their learning journey about nurturing life and the importance of the environment.
Clean Air and Green Spaces for Schools
Thousands of children across the UK face exposure to harmful air pollution levels both inside and outside the classroom, increasing their risk of long-term respiratory issues.
Studies show over 800 schools, nurseries, and colleges are impacted, with some areas reaching nearly double the safe nitrogen dioxide levels. Meristem Design is working to address this by partnering with schools to install Green Screens and SuDS Planters that improve air quality and educate students on the environment, fostering healthier, sustainable learning spaces.
Green Spaces for More Engaged University Campuses
Green spaces are vital on university campuses, offering students a range of benefits that support well-being, academic success, and community connection. From improving mental health and encouraging physical activity to building a sense of campus identity, green spaces provide a foundation for healthier, more vibrant university life.
With sustainability and climate action at the forefront, UK universities are embracing green infrastructure to reduce environmental impact, promote campus resilience, and inspire future generations to prioritise sustainability.
Featured products & services
SuDS planters effectively manage stormwater runoff, helping to create a cleaner and safer campus environment.
Transform your school or campus with our rain gardens, designed to naturally filter rainwater, support biodiversity, and create outdoor spaces for learning and wellbeing.
Enhance your school's air quality and create tranquil learning environments with our green plant screens, designed to reduce noise pollution and improve aesthetics.
Perfect for school grounds, nature gardens offer hands-on learning environments that support biodiversity, outdoor education and student wellbeing, while managing surface water naturally.
Mobility hubs near campuses encourage students and staff to walk, cycle or use public transport whilst fostering social interaction. These green, multifunctional spaces promote safety, health and climate action through travel behaviour change.
We work closely with schools, colleges and universities to create vibrant, nature-rich outdoor spaces that will integrate seamlessly in the campus to promote wellbeing and development.
Tailored plant care ensures your green spaces thrive and support biodiversity, helping to create healthy and inspiring environments for learning.
Helping to reconnect children with nature we offer educational and engaging workshops for school pupils. The nature workshops provide them a hands-on and fun experience to learn about their environment.
Get in touch
If you like what you've seen and want to learn more about how this could work in your setting, please get in touch.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is sustainable landscaping?
Sustainable landscaping is an approach that works with nature to create green spaces that are low-impact, long-lasting and environmentally friendly. It includes using native or climate-resilient plants, improving soil health, managing water runoff, and reducing the need for irrigation or chemicals.
Do you offer maintenance after installation?
We can provide seasonal and year-round maintenance services to ensure your landscaping stays healthy and looks its best — available when you choose us as your maintenance provider.
Can you help with both landscape design and installation?
Yes, we can work with existing designs, collaborate with your team, or offer a full service tailored to your space.
What type of landscaping projects do you work on?
We work across public realm, commercial and community spaces, including streetsides, schools and green infrastructure projects.
How much does landscaping cost?
Costs depend on the scale, complexity and materials involved. We can provide a tailored estimate once we understand your project needs.
How do I choose the right plants for my space?
We consider soil type, sunlight, maintenance needs and biodiversity goals when selecting plants to ensure visual appeal and long-term success.
What are the benefits of landscaping in urban spaces?
Landscaping can increase biodiversity, reduce surface water runoff, improve air quality and create spaces that are more attractive, welcoming and usable for people.
What’s the difference between hard and soft landscaping?
Soft landscaping focuses on living elements like planting, trees and turf. Hard landscaping includes structural features such as paving, edging and decking.
What is Landscaping?
Landscaping involves the design, installation and maintenance of outdoor spaces. Focusing aesthetic appeal and functional use.
If a parklet gets damaged, who is responsible for the repairs?
The business is responsible for the parklet repairs which can be carried out by the owners own contractors or the original supplier, Meristem Design.
Is there anything to prevent customers walking into the road when using a parklet?
Yes there is planters or a steel balustrade on the roadside of the parklet.
Do parklets have a deck?
Yes, parklets have a timber deck which can be adjusted to be level with the kerbside.
Can parklets be removed if required and what is the notice period?
Yes, Meristem can remove parklets with 8 weeks notice.
What is the size of a parklet?
Typically they are the size of a car parking space at 5m x 2m for a single parklet or 10m x 2m for a double parklet.
What kind of maintenance is required for a Bio Habitat SuDS Planter?
Regular SuDS planter maintenance applies, with occasional wildlife checks and optional seasonal planting refresh.
Can Bio Habitat SuDS Planters be customised?
Yes, the SuDS planters can be adapted to site conditions or education/interpretation goals.
Are Bio Habitat SuDS Planters suitable for schools or public spaces?
Yes – the planter is a brilliant engagement and learning tool that supports curriculum links and community action.
How does a Bio Habitat SuDS Planter support biodiversity?
Through features like bee bricks, bug hotels, a watering hole, hollow stems, and a hedgehog house, the SuDS Planter provides a diverse set of wildlife habitats.
Where can Bio Habitat SuDS Planters be installed?
Ideal for schools, parks, and grey, urban spaces – anywhere that needs both sustainable drainage and a biodiversity uplift.
Does a Bio Habitat SuDS Planter work like a regular SuDS Planter?
Yes – it delivers the same stormwater retention and filtration benefits with added wildlife functionality.
What is a Bio Habitat SuDS Planter?
It’s a SuDS planter that manages rainfall while incorporating diverse wildlife habitats for birds, pollinators, amphibians and more.
Can a green roof add value to a property?
Yes – green roofs can increase property value through better energy efficiency, longevity, and environmental credentials.
Do green roofs help with flooding?
Yes, they absorb and retain rainfall, reducing runoff and easing pressure on urban drainage systems.
Do green roofs need maintenance?
Yes, all green roofs need some maintenance. Extensive roofs need minimal care, while intensive roofs require regular upkeep.
Latest Education news
We are a group of designers, horticulturalists and ecologists who have a shared passion; to turn the grey green.
21st May 2026
Blogs
Bringing nature to urban spaces: How our Bio Habitat SuDS Planter boosts biodiversity and engages young minds
We’ve developed the Bio Habitat SuDS Planter - an innovative evolution of our standard SuDS planter, designed not just for managing rainfall and reducing surface water runoff, but for supporting urban wildlife and engaging local people, especially children....
20th May 2026
News
Greener schools, cleaner water: SuDS Planters transform Hammersmith & Fulham primary schools
We've been working with Hammersmith and Fulham Council to build climate resilience in the borough's schools. SuDS Planters and nature workshops have brought flood prevention and new learning tools to the schools....
14th May 2026
Blogs
How to design inclusive and engaging green spaces with urban greening add-ons and accessories
From habitat features, to movement elements, explore our urban greening add-ons and accessories brochure to create your own engaging green space....