Green Schools
Creating Greener, More Biodiverse Schools
Schools are more than places of learning. They are communities, gathering spaces and often some of the largest green areas within towns and neighbourhoods.
The Green Fridays Green Schools Initiative helps schools transform outdoor spaces into richer environments for biodiversity, outdoor learning and student wellbeing.
Working alongside schools, teachers, students, parents and local communities, we support practical projects that help children connect with nature while creating lasting benefits for wildlife and the environment.
From tree planting and wildlife-friendly gardens to biodiversity murals, vegetable growing projects and outdoor learning spaces, our goal is simple: to help create greener schools for both children and nature.
To give you a taste of some of our work, here's a video of some of our work in Ringsend National Schools, offically launched in April 2026:
Why School Grounds Matter
Across Ireland, school grounds represent thousands of hectares of untapped opportunity for biodiversity.
Even relatively small changes can make a significant difference. A native hedgerow can provide food and shelter for wildlife. A pond can become a haven for frogs, dragonflies and birds. Trees can provide shade, store carbon and support biodiversity for generations. Wildflower areas can support pollinators while creating opportunities for outdoor learning.
When children help create these spaces themselves, sustainability becomes something they experience directly rather than simply learning about in a classroom.
What We Do
Every school is different, so there is no single model.
Projects may include:
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Native tree planting
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Wildlife-friendly gardens
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Pollinator planting
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Biodiversity murals
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Raised vegetable beds
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Wildlife ponds
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Outdoor learning spaces
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Hedgerow planting
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Community biodiversity projects
We work collaboratively with schools and communities to identify opportunities that fit each school's space, needs and ambitions. We also recognise that creating greener schools is an ongoing process rather than a one-off project. We regularly revisit schools, support additional planting and help projects evolve over time as spaces mature and new opportunities arise.
Schools We Have Worked With
Ringsend National Schools, Dublin
One of our most ambitious projects to date involved Ringsend National Schools.
Working with school principals, teachers, Ringsend Men’s Shed, community gardener Clare Power, artist Diana Yung and local volunteers, previously neglected outdoor areas were transformed into vibrant biodiversity spaces for children.
The project included:
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Biodiversity murals celebrating Irish wildlife
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A restored wildlife-friendly garden
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Outdoor seating and planting areas
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Pollinator-friendly planting
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Community participation throughout the project
Today, these spaces provide opportunities for outdoor learning, biodiversity and everyday connection with nature.
Click here to read more on the Ringsend project
Wesley College Dublin
Green Fridays worked with Wesley College Dublin and Science Teacher Iain Wallace to support tree planting initiatives involving Transition Year students.
Between 2024-2026 students have planted native species including oak, rowan and lime, helping create habitats that will support biodiversity for decades to come.
The project demonstrates how even relatively simple actions can have a lasting impact on school grounds while providing valuable hands-on learning opportunities.
Drumcondra National School
Two years ago, Green Fridays worked with Drumcondra National School to create a long raised planting bed along the edge of the playground. What began as a strip of soil, a few overgrown shrubs and a shared vision has evolved into a thriving biodiversity space.
Today, the area is home to apple, plum and cherry trees, alongside pollinator-friendly planting that supports bees and other wildlife throughout the growing season.
The project was further transformed by Ukrainian artist Diana Yung, who created a striking wildlife mural running the length of the playground, bringing colour, creativity and nature into the heart of the school.
Why It Matters
Children who experience nature are more likely to care about it.
Research consistently shows that access to green spaces benefits physical health, mental wellbeing and environmental awareness.
By creating opportunities for children to plant trees, grow food, care for wildlife habitats and spend more time outdoors, schools can help foster a lifelong connection with nature.
As David Attenborough famously said:
"No one will protect what they don't care about; and no one will care about what they have never experienced."
Resources for Schools
There are many excellent programmes available to support schools interested in biodiversity projects, including:
We are always happy to point schools towards the programmes most relevant to their needs.
Get Involved
If you would like to discuss ideas for your school, volunteer on a project or support our work through sponsorship, we would love to hear from you.
Contact us at info@GreenFridays.org
Together, we can help create greener schools for future generations.