Sectors

Green spaces for Education

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.
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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.

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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.

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 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.

How long does a green roof last?

With proper installation and care, a green roof can extend your roof’s lifespan by 20 to 30 years.

Can green roofs be installed on sloped roofs?

Green roofs can be installed on slopes up to 45°, though additional support systems may be needed for steeper pitches.

Are there different types of green roofs?

Yes, extensive green roofs are lightweight and low-maintenance, while intensive green roofs resemble rooftop gardens and support deeper planting.

What is a green roof?

A green roof is a layer of vegetation planted over a waterproof system installed on top of a flat or slightly sloped roof.

Do nature gardens help with climate resilience?

Yes, they improve biodiversity, support pollinators, cool the urban environment and manage rainfall – all key elements of local climate resilience strategies.

Can SuDS (Sustainable Drainage Systems) be integrated into a nature garden?

Yes – many of our nature gardens include rain gardens or permeable areas to manage runoff and reduce local flood risk.

Can nature gardens be used for education?

Absolutely. Schools use them to teach about ecosystems, climate resilience and sustainability, while providing pupils with hands-on and engaging experiences in a natural setting.

Are nature gardens suitable for urban areas?

Yes, they are ideal for schools, estates, parks and even small plots in city centres. Nature gardens soften hard landscapes and deliver valuable ecosystem services in space-limited settings.

How is a nature garden different from a typical garden?

Nature gardens focus on biodiversity, native planting, and ecological value. They often include habitat features like log piles, wildflower meadows and rainwater-absorbing beds, rather than manicured lawns or formal planting.

What is a nature garden?

A nature garden is a biodiverse, low-maintenance green space designed to encourage wildlife, support sustainable water management, and create a calming environment for people to enjoy.

Are mobility hubs customisable?

Yes. Each hub is tailored to local needs, space availability and priorities, such as biodiversity enhancement, accessibility, or branding for business improvement districts.

What features can be included in a mobility hub?

Standard features can include cycle parking, rain gardens, green screens, seating, digital or physical signage, e-bike/e-scooter docks and community noticeboards.

Can mobility hubs help reduce congestion and pollution?

Yes – by promoting active travel and integrating transport options, they reduce reliance on private vehicles and improve local air quality.

Who uses mobility hubs?

They are designed for a wide range of users including commuters, residents, students and visitors – encouraging walking, cycling and public transport use.