Green Time

A group of budding environmentalists explored the biodiversity of our sports ground with a special guest and local resident.

Pupils from gardening club, bug club and the Eco Committee walked to our 4-acre site on Lymington road on a sunny Monday lunchtime, accompanied by our school consultant teacher for sustainability, where they met Jim Carter, President of the Hampstead Cricket Club. The Downton Abbey actor, who also starred alongside Timothée Chalamet in Wonka, is a keen gardener who champions the physical and mental health benefits of getting outdoors. As patron of the charity Greenfingers, who provide life-limited children and their families the opportunity to engage with nature, Carter is a passionate advocate of promoting ‘green time not screen time.’ In 2023, the Emmy-nominated actor gave evidence to the House of Lords Horticulture Select Committee, arguing that gardening should be taught in schools to encourage children outside and to get their hands dirty.

Together, the group planted shrubs, built woven hazel border fences, checked out the residents of our bug hotel, and learned about the flora and fauna of our expansive sports ground. Carter is working to develop a range of horticultural and ecological initiatives with the community at our Lymington Road site, building upon our other eco-projects which include a Junior School communal garden, shared with our neighbouring primary school, a new indoor, biophilic oasis at the Senior School, and our future plans to redevelop the roof garden on Maresfield Gardens for outdoor learning.