New outdoor classroom opens at Greenwich Peninsula Ecology Park

The Land Trust was delighted to open its new outdoor classroom at Greenwich Peninsula Ecology Park today at an event attended by representatives from the national land management charity and the project’s key funders.
 
Funded by Ikea, Veolia Environmental Trust, People’s Postcode Lottery, Bernard Sunley Foundation, Friends of Greenwich Ecology Park and generous community donations the classroom accommodates up to 30 people and can host a wide range of educational activities for people of all ages.
 
The new facility will play a vital role in the success of the Land Trust’s new education strategy, as the charity aims to inspire people of all ages to spend more time outside and enjoy all the benefits that well managed green space has to offer. 
 
Euan Hall, chief executive of the Land Trust, said:
 
“The new outdoor classroom at Greenwich Peninsula Ecology Park will be a vital resource for the local residents and community. 
 
“Spending time in green space is important for people’s mental and physical well-being but being able to do that in cities like London is becoming increasingly challenging. This classroom will be the key link for the community to the wildlife habitats on their doorstep.
 
“We’re very grateful to the funders, volunteers and local community for making this happen and I look forward to seeing the hugely positive impact that the classroom will have on the area.”
 
The park is situated in the heart of the Greenwich Millennium Village, alongside the River Thames, and is an increasingly popular venue for a wide range of outdoor activities delivered by community volunteering charity TCV, from pond dipping and den building to volunteer conservation workdays.
 
Ownership of the site passed to the Land Trust in 2011, and is managed in partnership with TCV who have successfully managed the park since 2002.
 
Darren York, chief executive of TCV, said:
 
“TCV has been involved with Greenwich Peninsula Ecology Park since 2002 and it has been fantastic to see the site develop during that time. 
 
“The park has become a real cornerstone of the community and the outdoor classroom will help cement that relationship further and provide valuable educational and health benefits.”

About the Land Trust: The Land Trust is a national land management charity that provides cost effective management solutions for open space and green infrastructure. We use our spaces to deliver positive interventions that provide significant community benefits, including improving health, social cohesion, providing an educational resource and uplifting the local economy.  Further information at .