Raynham Primary School
Raynham Primary School in the heart of Enfield is one of three ‘Trees for the Jubilee’ Playground flagship projects across England, Scotland and Wales; a lasting legacy for The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee. With the school being located in a densely populated area contributing to poorer air quality and limited green space, the new healthy playground helps counteract that. Complete with a food growing area and orchard as well as treasured trees, a seating area and more, the space provides enriching environmental learning opportunities for its 700+ pupils and staff.
To mark the Jubilee Playground and the launch of our ‘Trees for Schools’ strategy, we hosted a celebratory tree planting event at Raynham Primary. Funders, guests and mixed groups of pupils from across the school rolled up their sleeves and helped plant four new heavy standard trees, plus perennial and vegetable plants.
Trees for Cities incorporated pupils’ wishes into the playground, such as areas for storytelling and colourful flowers, and also worked with them to help map the project. Pupils were actively involved in planting, for example strategically planting climbers next to Raynham Avenue to redirect the flow of pollution from the playground and create green screening. Training school staff creatively has been key to the playground’s success, sharing techniques for tree identification and poetry writing in the sensory garden.
Deputy Headteacher Iveta Bejaoui has been very passionate and present throughout the whole project, working with children and staff to maintain and make full use of their green space. During a gardening club, pupils plant herbs and fruit plants for use in the school canteen; from plant to plate! Pupils from across different year groups plant and tend to their vegetable growing space according to the season, from fruit bushes in winter and spring to green beans in the summer. The playground makes everyday connection to nature more accessible at Raynham, and with that a raft of health, wellbeing and education opportunities.
