A third lockdown has seen a closure of many schools once again. However, some do remain open for the children of critical workers, as well as other vulnerable children, providing a safe environment for them to learn and enjoy.

Last week we were able to complete another successful school installation, this time for St Dominic’s Catholic School in Hackney, East London.

After the successful install of 2 Parklets, a set of gates, and 2 bicycle racks in Kingsmead Sq, Meristem were invited back to Bath to install a further 2 Parklets in one of Bath’s key Retail Districts.

Following implementation of a bus gate on Milsom Street, a key retail street in the city centre, Bath & North East Somerset Council worked with the local businesses to deliver Parklets in empty parking bays.

The Vale of Glamorgan in South Wales now has 6 on street Parklets, all with a green roof covering the decked seating area below. The Parklets also incorporate toughened glass sections all round to provide some wind and rain protection.

The green roof is expected to absorb up to 80% of a typical rain shower, with the excess water running down our custom-made drains into the planters below.

After Channel 4 Dispatches trialled and then removed green screens at Lordship Lane Primary school for a study on air quality, the school has finally received permeant ivy screens to help reduce emissions entering their playground.

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.

2 new Parklets with gates and 2 cycle racks have been installed in Bath’s Kingsmead Square with a further 2 being installed on Milsom Street later this month as part of works to improve the evening economy and create a cleaner, greener public space.

Meristem have teamed up with Landor Publishing to create an easy to follow step by step guide to creating safer streets and social spaces. The publication looks at how the high streets can reopen safely and provide much needed outdoor seating for bars and restaurants.

Click to download the guide on "How to Create Safer Streets and Social Spaces”

We're delighted that O2 have selected Meristem Design to be their official Go Green Partner in offering exclusive free workshops in how to design and build your own Living Wall at home.

All throughout this summer O2 Priority members were encouraged to Go Green via a series of plant based initiatives to help their members cope with the stress of staying at home during the lockdown.