Transforming a rooftop at a school into an urban wildlife haven

Helping nature thrive

Located at a busy crossroads in York Road, Guildford Nursery School sits between urban developments and has no access to green spaces.

A partnership project between the nursery, Zero Carbon Guildford and Surrey County Council transformed an unused roof in a playground, into a thriving living green roof. It has now become a place for pupils to learn about nature and become a place for wildlife to visit. This project not only enhances the school's environmental footprint but also educates pupils and the community around the nursery.

Green roofs provide access to nature and educates about the importance of our environment in places where there are little or no green spaces. Pupils can engage directly with living plants, learn about ecosystems, how to be sustainable, and to protect our environment.

Another school, Sandfield Primary School opposite the nursey also had a living gate and ivy screen installed. This project was led between parents of Sandfield Primary School, Zero Carbon Guildford, and the University of Surrey's air pollution research lab the Global Centre for Clean Air Research (GCARE).

Each time a green roof is installed, it can help create wildlife corridors across urban areas, to reconnect wildlife habitats.

Interested in finding out more or have a place in mind that would benefit from something similar? You can contact Niamh. Ryan@surreycc.gov.uk.