Our project
Volunteer to improve green spaces in London schools
As a community, we have a responsibility to support schools and their students. Help us to transform the green spaces of schools across London for safer and greener outdoor play and education.
Introducing Green Schools
As an expansion of BrightenUp London, our Green Schools campaign aims to bring volunteer support to public schools across London. Struggling with diminishing resources and further budget cuts, many schools lack the resources to maintain their green spaces over time.
Through the restoration of previously neglected forest schools, gardens and ponds, pupils can more safely and enjoyably engage with outdoor play and learning. Green spaces in schools also allow for the integration of environmental education into science curriculums.
Through Green Schools, HandsOn London has brought together more than 340 volunteers across multiple events to transform outdoor spaces into safe, fun, and educationally valuable environments for students and teachers.
Volunteers directly support the the beauty and functionality of these spaces, and make a long-lasting difference to the lives of students.
Get to know some of our schools!
Hillingdon School
Hillingdon School serves a diverse area of London, and as part of the Elliot Foundation Academies Trust takes great care to maintain a kind and engaging environment for its 695 pupils. HandsOn London is working with the school to open up its wilder outdoor spaces, particularly the pond area, for safe play and learning. The school benefits from a strong SEND programme, ensuring that all pupils will be involved in future outdoor learning in these spaces.
Griffin School
Griffin School is a foundation school in the heart of Battersea. Whilst the school is very fortunate to have lots of open green space and a forest school, they had deteriorated and required volunteer support to be revamped into a safe environment for school children. Since spring 2025, our volunteers have transformed the site into one that is accessible. In 2026, we're requesting volunteer support to assist with the general maintenance of Griffin School's outdoor spaces - groups can expect activities such as gardening, landscaping, general repair works to playground equipment, and allotment building.
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Archbishop Sumner Primary School Eco Garden
The Eco Garden at Archbishop Sumner Primary School has been a community space for the school children and neighbouring nurseries since 2008. It serves many purposes, such as improving access to green spaces in a highly urban areas and encouraging learning about cultivating healthy food. However, the garden relies on volunteer support to thrive. HandsOn London volunteers support the garden with various projects and tasks, from general weeding and clearance to the construction of a gazebo to be used for outdoor learning.
"One of the most significant outcomes of HandsOn's collaboration with us has been the reopening of our Forest School. Many of our students live in overcrowded housing and have limited access to outside space (the school's area has an IDACI Score of 97%). The volunteers' work has ensured that our students are having regular, safe access to nature on-site, which makes a genuine difference to their wellbeing and learning."
Help transform green spaces in schools
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