Hill Mead Primary pupils plant trees in Brockwell Park

Pupils at Hill Mead Primary School helped plant 70 Elder, Wild Cherry, Dogwood, Hazel and Buckthorn trees in Brockwell Park as part of the ‘Rewild Brockwell North’ and ‘Park Life’ projects.

In early February, the students were visited by local councilors to hear their suggestions for improving Brockwell Park as part of the ‘Park Life’ research program run by Goldsmith University.

One of the children’s key suggestions was to create more biodiversity and habitats for wildlife, so they were delighted to be invited to a tree planting day to help introduce more habitats for nature as part of the Rewild project Brockwell North.

The children planted 60 small trees (whips) and helped plant nine larger trees (standards).

The species chosen are all British forest trees and will benefit birds, pollinating insects and other wildlife. As they grow, these trees will help connect existing semi-forested areas in the park, creating a more resilient habitat.

Rewild Brockwell North has been developed in line with the Council’s Biodiversity Action Plan and national good practice guidelines. It is supported by the Mayor of London in partnership with the London Wildlife Trust with a grant of £36,941. As well as connecting existing forested habitats through tree planting, the project is working with contractors to strip the turf, create a new grassland area alongside the planted trees and improve habitat in the larger pond with planted coconut rollers and floating islands for nesting ducks.

The Rewild Brockwell North project aims to transform 2.5 hectares of Brockwell Park and increase resilience in a further 6 adjacent hectares which will be managed for wildlife. It will be planted:

• 12 standard shafts
• 105 shrub whips
• 25 tree whips
• 9 kilos of “bee and bird” seed mix.
• 1 kg wet meadow seed mix
• 1 kg of small seed crops for birds
• 20 meters of pre-vegetated coconut rolls
• 16 sq m of new vegetated islands with a fish cage below

As well as being a vital recreational resource for thousands of local people, Brockwell Park is an Important Nature Conservation Site (SINC).

Planting native trees in Brockwell Park boosts biodiversity, contributes to Lambeth’s Urban Forest Strategy and helps build a clean, vibrant and climate resilient neighbourhood.

Hill Mead Primary School pupils who help plant these trees can visit again for years to come and see how their hard work supports wildlife and nature in their local area.

Ibrahim from Year 3/4 Green said: “I enjoyed working with plants because it is so creative. The flowers are extraordinary; they make me feel at ease.”

Moaad Class 3/4 Blue said: “I love the Parklife project; it was soothing, relaxing and fun. Planting the trees was so satisfying. I like to think they will grow up like me.”

Deputy leader Cllr Rezina Chowdhury, cabinet member for Sustainable Lambeth and Clear Air, said: “We are always looking to maximize trees and wildlife in Brockwell Park. Every year we plant more trees and this year was a record year.

“I’m excited that we’re able to work with kids like this and provide educational opportunities and influence for young people as we reshape the neighborhood to address the climate emergency.”