Supporting urban schools with green spaces
In many urban areas, access to nature is limited. Schools in these areas often lack green space, limiting opportunities for important outdoor learning and engagement with nature.
As part of Pure DC’s work to redefine responsible digital infrastructure, we’ve been partnering with local schools and charities close to our North London campuses. We’re helping these schools provide students with access to nature and climate education through the creation of much needed green spaces.
A living wall at Brent primary school
Along with our partners Viritopia, who we’re working with to build one of the world’s largest living walls at our London Brent Cross data centre, we’ve donated a smaller version of the structure used in testing to a local primary school.
Installed in the playground of St Robert Southwell RC Primary School, the wall features plants chosen for their biodiversity value and pollutant-absorbing properties. It also features biochar-enriched compost, which helps to improve soil health and reduces the amount of water required by up to 60% while ensuring the wall continues to thrive.
The wall was planted by Year 2 pupils at the school and now plays a role in helping pupils of all ages understand the role of green spaces in tackling climate change while encouraging them to engage with nature in a hands-on way.
“The installation of a living wall will help to increase biodiversity on our grounds- a core component of our school climate action plan. In addition, we want our students to have a deep understanding of how we can green our local communities- even in urban environments."
Creating urban school gardens with Seeds for Growth
We’ve extended our support of local schools by partnering with UK charity Seeds for Growth to develop two school gardens in the London Borough of Brent to bring much needed green space to areas where children don’t always have access to nature and gardens. The gardens will feature heirloom vegetables and plants grown in biochar-enriched soil, which improves water retention, supports plant health and sequesters carbon. Pupils at the schools will be involved in the upkeep of the gardens, helping them learn about nature, carbon sequestration and growing seasonal food.