The visit supported their ongoing Good Life Schools project, focused on transforming their library balcony into a vibrant green space.

The full-day experience immersed students in exploring how even small urban spaces can be transformed to support nature, wellbeing, and climate resilience. Throughout the day, students engaged in a variety of interactive activities designed to spark creativity and environmental awareness. 

One highlight was the Forest Garden session, where students created their own “Top Trumps”-style cards featuring different plant species. They also explored the concept of Future Gardens, learning about plants that are resilient to climate change and able to thrive in low-fertility soils—particularly relevant for urban and brownfield sites.

Students were introduced to sustainable urban drainage systems and discovered how The Green Estate’s work contributes to reducing microplastic pollution and improving water management across Sheffield and beyond. They also explored community orchards and pictorial meadows, which are designed to enhance biodiversity while creating beautiful, wellbeing-focused spaces for local communities.

The workshop also covered principles of the circular economy, demonstrating how green waste can be transformed into compost to support sustainable growing. Students learned about urban heathland management and the importance of maintaining these habitats, including reducing fire risks—an issue particularly relevant to the nearby Peak District National Park.

A hands-on favourite was designing and building bug hotels, giving students practical ideas they can replicate back at school to support biodiversity on their own grounds.

The day took place at a historic estate in Sheffield, home to buildings dating back to the 1500s, providing a unique and inspiring setting for learning. In the afternoon, students took part in a creative challenge focused on connecting people with nature. Working in teams, they developed ideas and resources to encourage others to engage with outdoor spaces, carefully considering their audience and how to inspire behaviour change.

Students reflected enthusiastically on the experience, sharing that they felt motivated to spend more time outdoors and to encourage others to do everyday activities outside rather than indoors. Many particularly enjoyed exploring the rhubarb patches and expressed excitement about applying their new ideas to their school’s balcony garden project.

This workshop has provided valuable inspiration for the students as they continue developing their Good Life Schools project throughout May. Their ideas and learning from The Green Estate will play a key role in shaping a greener, more sustainable school environment.

A huge thank you to The Green Estate CIC for delivering such an engaging and impactful workshop, and to the students of King Edward VII School for their enthusiasm, creativity, and commitment throughout the day.