SPONSORED

About Growing Green

Growing Green (GG) is a volunteer group whose mission is to increase urban biodiversity, mitigate climate change, combat air pollution and bring communities together. Working mainly in schools, GG works to identify ways to increase biodiversity in the grounds and to make those improvements happen together with staff, pupils and the whole school community.

Starting in 2022 and established as a Community Interest Company in March 2023, GG is currently working with 10 schools, a social housing estate and other local biodiversity projects in collaboration with local groups in the boroughs of Camden, Haringey, Islington, Greenwich and Essex. GG raises funds with its own community events and by making applications to Funders of green initiatives.

The Project at St Aloysius

In Phase 1 of the biodiversity project, 3 areas within the school grounds have been identified as areas for improvement. GG will be creating pollinator friendly beds, a wildlife pond, herb garden and meadows, with help from a new pupil’s club formed to learn about the importance of biodiversity, clean air and nature.

The aim is to increase the flora and fauna within the school, connect pupils and staff with nature and improve mental wellbeing for the school community.

Jeska Harrington, Co-Founder of Growing Green said: “We are very excited to be embarking on this nature project with St Aloysius School – they have such a committed and welcoming team who work tirelessly to improve the lives of their pupils, and we can’t wait to see the school and its people bloom’

Paula Whyte, Headteacher at St Aloysius’ College said:  “Green is our school’s house colour so it seems more than fitting that we enter a partnership with Growing Green. There are also other parallels, like our commitment to supporting our students in every way we can in their growth as learners, and human beings in general. We are also blessed with beautiful calm and green surroundings at our Hornsey Lane location, overlooking the borough of Islington and the wider city.

“I personally can’t wait to see what our new partners at Growing Green will be able to add to the already thriving natural habitats of our school, involving both staff and students along the way, and supporting their connection with nature as a result. It is a known fact that being in touch with the natural world massively benefits overall mental wellbeing, which happens to be a clear and constant focus of life at St Aloysius for everybody coming to our school.’