The rewilding movement is gaining momentum worldwide as people become more aware of the need to restore biodiversity. This transformative vision has also impacted recent developments at Broomfield House School.
The school based in Kew, South West London, seeks to restore and enhance the natural environment around it, reconnecting urban spaces with nature. Uniquely positioned right next to Kew Gardens, the ‘largest and most diverse botanical garden in the world’, the school is committed to reducing their carbon footprint.
An ambitious sustainability strategy includes the use of technology to monitor the carbon emissions and a comprehensive rewilding plan. The school plants one tree in the Scottish Highlands for every new pupil joining the school.
Perhaps the most noticeable change over the last few months has been to the northwest side of the school site. The old concrete car park has been replaced by a new outdoor learning space; a peaceful, nature-filled area designed for all children to enjoy. This new area is now a quiet retreat for children seeking some downtime from the more active play areas. Studies have shown that spending time in natural settings reduces stress, improves mental health, and fosters a sense of wellbeing.
Broomfield House School, part of the Dukes Education family of schools, hopes that their sustainability journey serves as a catalyst of broader environmental efforts in urban settings. The transition from concrete to nature is not just about restoring wildlife; it is also about revitalising the community and creating a space that offers educational opportunities for future generations.
In many ways, Broomfield House’s rewilding is part of a larger trend of urban rewilding projects seen around the world, where disused or abandoned spaces are being transformed into green oases. From TfL’s vision for a greener and wildlife-friendly London as part of their recently published biodiversity plan and rewilding projects in places like New York or Amsterdam, cities are recognising the value of reconnecting with nature.
The journey from concrete to nature at Broomfield
House School reflects a growing understanding that, in the face of climate change and urbanisation, we need to work with nature, not against it, to build sustainable spaces for our children.
