Willow Dene Project

Willow Dene is a wonderful special school in Plumstead. The staff are very engaged in green projects, and the school grounds boost a forest school, rain garden, mini orchard, a sensory garden and much more. Growing Green is helping the school by providing advice, plants and hands-on work to make their grounds even more biodiverse. 

February '24: we planted a native hedge and climbers to cover an unsightly fence and provide habitats for many creatures.

Rewilding Checklist
  • Native Hedge
  • Climbing Hedge

Native Hedge

Planted in February '24

From Alder to English Yew - we chose a wide variety of native hedge plants that will give the students and staff more joy than looking at a metal fence. Fast growing climbers honeysuckle and ivy will give the hedge another dimension. Cathie Sandford-Smith has been our champion at the school, and her capacity to give and love is truly inspiring.

JJ's Garden

JJ was a boy whose love for nature was unparalleled - he even won a Jack Petchey Environmental Award! He always had projects on the go, inspiring the whole school community to become more eco-conscious. JJ wanted to spend his award money on this bleak patch of land, separating the school from a football pitch. It was perfect for a beautiful garden with climbers (JJ loved blue, and we chose blue clematis and hydrangea), apple trees and fruit bushes, and rosemary (he loved rosemary). Sadly JJ passed away aged 14. Seeing this garden come to life and still sensing his presence through this project has been a great comfort to the school community.

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