The council has been working with schools to protect pupils and staff from the impact of air pollution by installing ‘green screens’ around school sites. Around 1,048m of these screens have now been installed across the borough.
The ivy screens act as a natural barrier, capturing and blocking particulate matter from nearby roads. Ivy acts as a pollution sink, filtering up to 20% of the nitrogen dioxide from the air while increasing biodiversity by attracting wildlife such as insects, bees, butterflies and birds. The screens also offer added privacy for the schools.
Cllr Rezina Chowdhury, cabinet member for Sustainable Lambeth and Clean Air, said: “Lambeth Council is committed to improving air quality and mitigating the impacts on our most vulnerable groups of residents, particularly children and older people.
“Thank you to all participating schools that have welcomed the addition. It’s great to see so many schools take up the opportunity.
“Following the success of the Green Screens programme in schools, the Council will explore how a similar approach can benefit other locations, such as play areas, care homes, and doctor’s surgeries.”
The screens are made of Hedera Ivy and purpose-made metal-framed lattice, which are planted directly into the ground or in planters along the edges of the school’s perimeter fence.
As part of the Lambeth Air Quality Action Plan, the council committed to investing in green screens and other physical barriers at Lambeth schools most exposed to roadside pollution to reduce the risk.
The project also contributes to the Lambeth Climate Action Plan goal of increasing the amount of resilient, green coverage in Lambeth by 15% by 2028, ensuring that everyone lives within 400m of high-quality green infrastructure, with wildlife networks throughout the borough.
Read more about the Green Screens programme and other climate action happening in Lambeth here
