Supporting Henham Primary School
As part of Planteria’s commitment to social sustainability and community wellbeing, we were approached in early 2024 by Henham & Ugley Primary School to support the redevelopment of their Forest Area. The school wanted to create a calming, stimulating outdoor space where children could explore, learn, and connect with nature.
A cross-functional team was formed, bringing together colleagues from all departments. Following collaborative discussions with the school, we developed a proposal that included a high-level design plan, mood boards and a shopping list of materials.
The plan focused on natural, recycled and donated materials, ensuring the project was both sustainable and creative.
key features
- Pond area: repaired and replanted to encourage wildlife, secured with posts and rope for safety.
- Dragon Campfire zone: log seating and planting to create a designated outdoor classroom and storytelling space.
- Quiet area: a ribbon hoop and hammock designed to support children needing calm and reflection.
- Nature corner: a bug hotel built from pallets, bird houses painted by the children, and woodland planting to attract wildlife.
- Play and exploration spaces: a den area, stepping logs, and a handmade signpost.
- Mud Kitchen: hand-crafted by one of our staff using reclaimed pallets, giving children a dedicated space for imaginative play.
The refurbishment was carried out over five weeks during the summer of 2024, amounting to 87 hours of dedicated volunteer time. Around 30 members of the Planteria team generously contributed their skills and energy to the project, taking part in everything from design and construction to planting and adding the finishing touches. The total material costs came to just over £1,000.
The project was completed in time for the new school year, transforming the Forest Area into a welcoming, multi-purpose outdoor learning environment. The school has since named the space “Curiosity Copse”, recognising its role in inspiring exploration and creativity. The area will be used to enrich learning across multiple subjects, weaving into different aspects of the national curriculum.
In formal feedback, the Assistant Head Teacher wrote:
“The children returned to school after the summer holiday to the lovely surprise! We have already been able to enjoy the new space and have lots of wonderful learning opportunities planned. A huge thank you to you all – we are extremely grateful.”
SOCIAL SUSTAINABILITY
reflections
For Planteria, this initiative was more than a local volunteering project. It demonstrated how our skills in design, planting and sustainability can create positive impact beyond the workplace. The project also strengthened employee engagement, with staff describing a strong sense of shared purpose in working together for the school community.
alignment with sustainability values
This case study reflects our wider approach to sustainability:
- Supporting local communities – working directly with schools in our area.
- Promoting inclusivity and wellbeing – creating spaces that benefit all children.
- Encouraging employee participation – engaging our people in meaningful, hands-on initiatives.
