Channel 4 Dispatches school finally gets permanent green screens to combat poor air quality
In 2019 Lordship Lane Primary School in Haringey took part in a study with King’s College and Channel 4 Dispatches on the air quality benefits of green screens. The study measured the amount of NO2 before and after the Green Screens were planted. Readings of 31.5 were found before compared to 22.6 after the ivy screens were installed. You can watch the Dispatches episode here.
After the show, despite it concluding how beneficial they are, the screens were removed and since then the levels of NO2 in the playground have breached the legal limit. The school were determined to reinstall the screens as "the difference could be life changing. The project is incredibly important as we have proven that the screens make a difference to children’s health. It is important that children are free to breathe clean air whilst they exercise outside and take part in PE lessons and play".
Last week we installed 43m of ivy screens (hedera helix woerner) in oak planters along their perimeter wall. Herbs were planted at the base, with a bird box hanging from one of the screens. We also fitted an automatic irrigation system and we will maintain the project for the first year free of charge. The benches were relocated to the rear of the school where they will get more use.