Planting a few trees might seem like a simple feel-good activity, but at Central Park Primary School in Newham, East London, it has sparked a much broader sustainability transformation. Situated in one of the UK’s most vulnerable boroughs to overheating, the school is proving that small, practical actions can have far-reaching environmental and educational benefits.
At the centre of this change is Shannon Griffin, a Year 5 teacher and the school’s sustainability lead. With the support of Headteacher Paul Taylor, Climate Action Advisor Holly Campbell from Let’s Go Zero, and a passionate school community, the school has been guided through a green revolution that extends well beyond the playground.
From the nine new trees planted in the once-bare concrete yard to initiatives in energy, waste, and travel, the school is cultivating both environmental resilience and student engagement. Pupils are not just observers – they are active participants, learning how small actions, from fundraising to habitat mapping, can create meaningful change. Central Park Primary is now an example of how a single green project can grow into a whole-school sustainability movement.
2–8°C
reduction in urban heat through trees
30%
reduction in energy demand
Newham is one of the UK’s hottest boroughs, and urban overheating is a real concern for schools. Concrete playgrounds absorb and radiate heat, creating temperatures that can affect children’s health, concentration, and learning. When Holly Campbell visited Central Park Primary to assess the school’s climate risks, they discovered playground tarmac exceeding 40°C on a day when the outside temperature was just 27°C. Without shade or greenery, children were at risk of heat stress, which could hinder their focus and comfort.
The school faced another challenge: embedding sustainable practices across operations. Energy use, water waste, and air pollution from school travel were all areas with room for improvement, yet there was no structured plan in place. While some solar panels were already installed, staff turnover had left them underutilised. Similarly, opportunities for student engagement in environmental projects existed but lacked coordination.
This meant the school needed a solution that could address both physical challenges—like overheating—and organisational ones, while also inspiring students and staff to take ownership of sustainability in a tangible, ongoing way.
The spark for change was tree planting. Nine new trees now shade the formerly bare playground, providing both beauty and vital relief from urban heat. “People are constantly commenting on how the playground looks,” says Shannon. “The students are so excited to see the foliage and flowers bloom.”
Beyond aesthetics, the trees reduce ground temperature, mitigate the Urban Heat Island effect, and provide outdoor learning opportunities. Plans are underway to install living green walls, further cooling the playground and enhancing biodiversity.
Student engagement has been central. Through the National Education Nature Park, pupils conducted habitat mapping, uncovering unexpected wildlife in the school’s concrete spaces. Inspired, they raised over £400 from toy sales to fund a birdbath, planters, and benches, with parents joining in to support the initiative.
The school’s sustainability programme expanded to energy, water, and travel. An energy audit revealed that a small existing solar array was already covering 60% of the top floor’s energy use. Plans are now in motion to install 40 new solar panels, cutting electricity costs by 35%. Additional actions include sensor taps, a recycling scheme for electronics, a ‘School Street’ to reduce traffic, walk-to-school weeks, scooter parks, and assemblies on food sustainability.
Central Park has since launched multiple initiatives:
The transformation has reshaped school culture. Staff and students alike are more aware of sustainability, and practical projects have tangible results in both the environment and student learning.
Headteacher Paul Taylor describes the programme as “an absolute game changer,” helping to coordinate initiatives, track progress, and embed long-term practices. Students are now actively contributing, from monitoring tree health to building birdhouses in DT lessons and supporting green fundraising projects.
The benefits extend beyond the school gates. Trees reduce urban heat by 2–8°C, improve air quality, and lower energy demand by up to 30%. Research shows time outdoors enhances mood, sleep, immune function, and can reduce stress. Visiting woodlands has also been linked to potential NHS savings of £185 million annually.
By combining infrastructure improvements, community engagement, and student-led projects, Central Park Primary demonstrates how small, well-organised interventions can produce measurable environmental, educational, and wellbeing impacts. The school’s success highlights how local action, driven by motivated staff and pupils, can create a replicable model for urban schools facing the challenges of climate change.
“Let’s Go Zero gave me the structure and momentum I needed. Doing an audit and writing it down made a huge difference. Holly brought it all together- ideas, funding support, and real guidance.”
Shannon, Sustainability Lead
Climate Action Advisors are experts, who offer free support for schools, colleges, and nurseries across England. We support schools to understand their carbon impact, make effective plans, and find funding and resources. We work with schools of any size, even those that are just starting their sustainability journey. We also spotlight local opportunities for how schools can work together.
Get in touch to find out how our Climate Action Advisors can start helping your school reach it’s climate goals today.
Let’s Go Zero is a campaign led by Ashden.
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