How to engage school children on the importance and benefits of nature

At Meristem Design, we are dedicated to nurturing the connection between children and nature through engaging and educational experiences. We strive to provide opportunities for students to immerse themselves in the world of plants, improving not only their wellbeing but the school’s environment.

HOW ARE WE ‘turning the grey green’ in schools?

  • Delivering SuDS planters in schools to reduce surface water flood risk

  • Conducting nature workshops to reconnect children with nature

  • Installing green screens to improve air quality

BENEFITS OF Nature on young people

Natural England reflected; “We’ve known for over a decade how important it is that children learn about nature, for their health, happiness and their success at school.”

Children who spend time outside with nature benefit from:

  • self confidence

  • responsibility

  • creativity

  • exercise

  • positive stimulation

With their vivid imaginations and keenness to explore, being outside and developing a relationship with nature will give them countless possibilities for fun, play and learning.


Reconnecting children with nature

We have developed our flagship workshop Reconnecting Children with Nature: Growing Seeds Workshop to help kids learn about the importance of plants, heighten their senses through touch and smell and get their hands dirty through some seed planting.

Highlights of the workshops

Practical exploration

Our hands-on sessions empower students to explore the vital role soil, seeds, and plants play in our lives. Through sensory integration exercises, students become active participants in their learning

Seed Selection and Planting

This helps to encourage a sense of responsibility and connection to nature as students personally select and plant their own seeds. This interactive element ensures a memorable and impactful experience.

Cultivating care

Witness the magic of growth! Students will observe and care for their chosen plants, learning valuable lessons about nurturing life and understanding the delicate balance required for successful cultivation.

Do you want to position your school as a leader in sustainable practices and empower your students to make a tangible difference? If you’d like to know more then please contact us.


Creating engaging ways for young people to explore and learn - GREENVALE PRIMARY SCHOOL

Working with London Borough of Croydon and funded by the Department of Education, we have installed four vibrant planters to help reduce surface water flood risk at local school, Greenvale Primary.

Our SuDS planters are a sustainable flash flood and stormwater management solution with an internal water reservoir and slow release drainage system. The installation features included rainwater planters, a gabion basket wall, channel drains and gullies.

These look amazing and really improve the look at the front of the school.
— Dan Bowden - Greenvale Primary, Headteacher

fostering an environmentally conscious generation

Focused on fostering an environmentally conscious generation, our planters are adding new green and engaging spaces to school grounds and teaching the students how to care for their environment in a sustainable way. 

Working with the school and involving them in the design process resulted in the pupils helping to inspire the designs, creating fun and thoughtful moments for them whilst also affording them a sense of ownership.

Everyone noticed the planters when they came into school today - they look fantastic and certainly create a lovely welcome to our school. Thank you so much!
— Naomi Smith - Greenvale Primary, Office Manager

what are the Benefits of our AquaPlanter?

  • Captures and stores rainfall 

  • Enables gradual absorption into the ground

  • Controlled release back into the piped network 

  • Manages water quantity and improves water quality

  • Provides amenity

  • Enhancing biodiversity

AquaPlanter® SuDS - The Sustainable Solution to Urban Water Management

AquaPlanter® SuDS - The Sustainable Solution to Urban Water Management

Discover how AquaPlanter® is changing the game in urban water management with its innovative design and award-winning performance. Learn how our award-winning planters mitigate flooding, improve water quality, and contribute to greener, more resilient cities. Perfect for architects, local governments, and educational institutions, discover how AquaPlanter® is paving the way towards smarter, greener urban landscapes.

Rain Gardens vs. SuDS Planters: Understanding the Key Differences

Rain Gardens vs. SuDS Planters: Understanding the Key Differences

Explore our award-winning SuDS planters revolutionising stormwater management. Recognised with the Flood & Coast Award, our planters are the cornerstone of innovative climate resilience strategies. Made in London, they feature cutting-edge Hydrorock technology for superior water retention, making them ideal for urban environments.

Green Infrastructure: The Key to Urban Resilience and Well-being

Green Infrastructure: The Key to Urban Resilience and Well-being

Green infrastructure is not just about transforming spaces; it's about transforming lives and communities. By integrating nature into urban planning, we can create healthier, happier, and more resilient cities. The future of urban greening is bright, and with continued innovation and commitment, we can ensure a sustainable future for all.

The Power of Nature-Based Solutions in Building Climate Resilient Streets

The Power of Nature-Based Solutions in Building Climate Resilient Streets

In the face of a rapidly changing climate, urban planners and environmentalists are turning to innovative strategies to ensure our cities remain livable, sustainable, and resilient. One of the most promising approaches emerging from this intersection of urban planning and environmental science is the integration of Nature-Based Solutions (NbS) into the design and structure of our streets. But what makes NbS so powerful, and how can they transform our urban landscapes into climate-resilient havens?

What is Biodiversity Net Gain?

What is Biodiversity Net Gain?

Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) is an innovative approach to conservation and development, aiming to leave nature in a better state than before any development activity. At its core, BNG ensures that when habitats are adversely affected, greater benefits for biodiversity are delivered in compensation. This not only safeguards our delicate ecosystems but fosters a harmonious balance between progress and preservation. As urban landscapes continue to expand, embracing BNG becomes crucial for a sustainable future, where both humanity and nature thrive side by side.

Bioswales: SuDS Solution to Urban Stormwater Management

Bioswales: SuDS Solution to Urban Stormwater Management

Bioswales aren't just another landscaping trend: they're a beacon of hope in our urban jungles. Bridging the gap between aesthetics and functionality, these green channels offer a sustainable approach to managing stormwater. In a world grappling with climate change and rapid urbanisation, understanding the magic of bioswales could be the key to crafting resilient cities. Explore the transformative power of bioswales in today's urban landscapes.

Green Infrastructure: Creating Sustainable and Resilient Urban Environments

Green Infrastructure: Creating Sustainable and Resilient Urban Environments

Discover the transformative world of green infrastructure planning with Meristem Design. From stunning living walls to innovative rain gardens and biodiverse green roofs, our projects showcase the power of nature-based solutions in enhancing urban spaces. Explore the benefits of biophilic design, the magic of rain garden SuDS planters, and the allure of parklets that invigorate public spaces.

The Power of Urban Greening in Combating Air Pollution

The Power of Urban Greening in Combating Air Pollution

Air pollution is rapidly emerging as a critical environmental health issue, prompting the public to become more aware of its dangers. Discover how urban greening, including parklets, greenery, and plants, can contribute to improving London's air quality. Explore the benefits of trees, living walls, and rain gardens, and learn about the role of biophilia and green infrastructure in creating a healthier and more sustainable city.

Breathe Easy: 8 Air-Purifying House & Office Plants for Cleaner Indoor Air

Breathe Easy: 8 Air-Purifying House & Office Plants for Cleaner Indoor Air

Discover the top 8 air-purifying house plants that can transform your indoor space into a healthier and more vibrant environment. Learn how these plants remove toxins and pollutants, improve air quality, and enhance your overall well-being.

Ready to have clean fresh air flowing through your home or office? Here's a list of 8 plants that are perfect to help purify the air.

What is the Urban Greening Factor? (UGF)

What is the Urban Greening Factor? (UGF)

The Urban Greening Factor (UGF) originates from Berlin and has been adapted and adopted in several European and North American cities. A planning policy tool evaluates the quantity and quality of urban greening provided by a development proposal [6]. The UGF aims to accelerate the greening of urban areas and ensures well planned and high-quality interventions that add to a multi-functional green infrastructure network. This policy means green infrastructure is considered at the start of the design and planning process for new developments and buildings[7]. The UGF is set out in Policy G5 of the New London Plan and provides a simple way for Local Planning Authorities to score green infrastructure interventions[8].

How can green infrastructure improve air quality in urban areas?

How can green infrastructure improve air quality in urban areas?

Green infrastructure can be defined as the natural vegetative systems and green technologies that collectively provide the community with a multitude of environmental, economic, health, and social benefits. This includes: Rain gardens, SuDS, Bioswales, Green roofs, green walls, Urban forests and woodlots.

Office Plants and Biophilic Design - A healthier, Happier and more Productive Workplace

Office Plants and Biophilic Design - A healthier, Happier and more Productive Workplace

Health and wellness have grown increasingly important in the business world. People who are healthy and satisfied with their workplace performance are more productive, open to collaboration, and able to innovate in ways that will benefit the company. Research from Gallup has found that highly involved, content employees have a 21% increase in productivity and take 37% fewer sick days. Therefore, how can organizations ensure their employees are both content and healthy?

Connecting children to nature

Connecting children to nature

Children and nature have always been connected, however with increased urbanisation, many children around the world are increasingly growing up without experiencing what nature is and how it works. This leaves them without the possibility to understand why nature is so valuable. This causes a need for change in schooling not only in the UK, but around the world. 

Stunning Living Walls From Around The World

Stunning Living Walls From Around The World

Living walls are a beautiful addition to any space and can be found all around the world. They have become popular with architects, designers and decorating enthusiasts for the enormous potential it offers in terms of interior or exterior spaces. Green walls offer numerous health and wellness benefits, from stunning aesthetics to environmental sustainability. Below we've listed our picks of the best living walls from around the globe. You might be inspired by them to create your own!

Biophilia - Benefits of Office Plants

Biophilia - Benefits of Office Plants

Plants in offices and work spaces increase happiness and productivity. Plants are an essential part of a work space setup, especially for those working at home. Adding plants to your work space has a number of benefits including reduced stress and improved productivity, improved air quality and reduced noise levels.

Why you should invest in a Green Roof

Why you should invest in a Green Roof

Green roofs or also commonly known as living roofs, are becoming more and more popular in the urban environment. This is due to their economic and environmental benefits, as well as the added bonus of creating a garden space for properties with little outdoor area. Land is a valuable asset in cities and is commonly utilised to its maximum capacity. 

How to take care of your Parlor Palm 

How to take care of your Parlor Palm 

The Parlour Palm tree is ideal for indoors because it is easy to look after, grows very slowly and thrives in low light. In addition it has strong air purifying properties that remove formaldehyde and xylene from the air, making them a great choice for anyone who wants to improve the indoor air quality of their home.

How Planters Can Transform Any High Street

How Planters Can Transform Any High Street

A series of strategically positioned planters can be used to divide spaces, create walkways and control traffic flow. Planters can be installed in a wide range of locations, to bring vibrancy and life to dull spaces.

Custom made planters can also be used to generate and define appealing customer spaces for businesses which is a simple way to introduce greenery to any landscape.

Are SuDS the solution to our urban flooding problem?

Are SuDS the solution to our urban flooding problem?

It is hard to ignore the signs. Extreme weather events are becoming more frequent and are having a greater impact on our lives. Storms Dudley, Eunice and Franklin in February 2022 caused devastation to communities across the UK. As a result of the extreme weather conditions, London was issued with a rare ‘Red Weather Warning’ by the Met office, and people were told to prepare for potential flooding[1].

As increasing numbers of people move to urban areas combined with the widespread use of impermeable surfaces such as concrete for pavements, driveways, and roads; as well as a lack of greenery and vegetation, communities are more vulnerable to flooding. Almost a quarter of London constitutes gardens, but this is disappearing under paving slabs, decking and concrete. We are losing gardens at the rate of an area two and a half times the size of Hyde Park every year[2]. This is not sustainable and exacerbates flooding.

So what can we do to make our towns and cities better protected from flooding? SuDS are one solution.