The new vertical garden at St Robert Southwell RC Primary School will absorb air pollution, improve biodiversity, and encourage learning about nature and climate action.
Today, A Healthier Earth, the R&D subsidiary of Pure Data Centres Group (Pure DC), and living wall specialist Viritopia, joined year two pupils from St Robert Southwell RC Primary School in Brent, to install a living wall in the playground. The donation of this living wall follows Pure DC’s announcement to build one of the world’s largest living walls around its data centre in Brent Cross, North London, which will measure 7,400 square meters and feature over 750,000 individual plants.
Living walls are vertical gardens comprised of panels of plants, offering benefits including noise absorption and air pollution filtration. They can also improve biodiversity and habitats, and the plants have been selected for their value to wildlife as well as their ability to absorb pollutants. The living wall has been donated to the school by Viritopia- in partnership with A Healthier Earth and Pure DC- to educate pupils about nature and climate action.
Nina Flashner, Climate Change Project Manager, A Healthier Earth, said:
“It’s been wonderful to see how engaged the pupils have been with the new living wall in their playground – it’s so important for children to feel connected with nature, look after it, and understand why it’s important for their community.
“My hope is that the work we’re doing now starts to teach the next generation what’s possible and drive demand for greener community spaces.”
Jessica Dobrowolski, teacher at St Robert Southwell RC Primary said:
“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.”
A Healthier Earth, Pure DC and Viritopia are currently trialling the use of carbon removal technology biochar in the growing substrate of living walls. The trials have found using a biochar mixed compost can reduce the need for water by up to 30-50%. The structure at St Robert Southwell RC Primary has been planted in a biochar mixed compost to reduce the amount of water required to keep the living wall thriving.
Steve McIntyre, Principal Environmental Consultant, Viritopia, said:
“At Viritopia, we’re always looking for ways to do better for people and planet, so we’re proud to continue our partnership with Pure and Healthier Earth on this living wall installation at St Robert Southwell RC Primary School. It’s exciting to see biochar integrated into our systems – helping to reduce water usage and significantly increase carbon sequestration. Just as importantly, the wall provides children with the opportunity to connect with nature — especially as the plants selected in the wall will be flowering and scented, providing habitats that support the local ecology.”
