Environmental Education

Environmental Organisations

This section includes information and links to environmental organisations which currently provide services for schools in Hackney. Click on the organisation name for a description of what the organisation offers and their contact details.

Hackney’s Big Green Map - Hackney Environment Forum is a network of groups and individuals committed to protecting and enhancing Hackney’s built and natural environment.

Waste/Recycling

ELCRP (East London Community Recycling Partnership) – community project, offering composting workshops and wormeries for schools. Click on the link to view the latest leaflet.

ecoACTIVE - education for sustainability (young people, families + communities) – waste, recycling, composting, energy, water conservation – in-school workshops/projects, after-school clubs, advice + INSET.

Hackney Council Recycling Department - advice about Hackney recycling services. Currently running cow bins and Street Leaders schemes.

Global Action Plan – action on waste programme for secondary schools – waste, recycling, citizenship (pupil participation, family learning, whole school/community involvement).

Groundwork East London – waste + recycling, offer projects on estates and in schools.

LMB Education – free textile recycling initiatives, workshops for schools.

Traid – textile recycling charity, education programme, with assemblies/workshops.

Blue monkey arts – visual and performing arts to promote environmental awareness - community arts projects, workshops, training and events.

Wildlife/field studies

Kench Hill Centre - environmental activities for Extended Schools.

Hackney City Farm - activities for visiting school groups.

London Wildlife Trust – ‘out-of-school-hours-learning’ wildlife clubs (available to all Hackney schools) + offer training/INSET.

London Outdoor Science Project – field studies for secondary schools.

Abney Park Cemetery Trust – community green space/study resource for all ages – fieldwork/cross-curricular activities, including education for sustainable development, conservation, wildlife, history.

Gardening

Growing Communities – local Hackney social enterprise aiming to create a more sustainable food system. Offer school visits based at the Allens Garden site (growing organic salad vegetables, fruit and herbs), which also has an eco-building.

Garden Organic – website for organic gardening, good schools section.

Royal Horticultural Society - Schools Membership Scheme has now been replaced by the ‘Campaign for School Gardening’ (launched 19 September 2007). For starter pack and online resources to help you develop and use your school garden, click on the link to register.

Thrive - promoting therapeutic horticulture, helping people with disability to continue gardening.

St Mary’s Secret Garden – an organic horticultural project, peaceful oasis in the middle of Hackney, has been developed to create a diverse green space including natural woodland, food growing area, sensory herb garden, classroom and large greenhouse. A community resource, they run events, plant sales, and a range of projects including accredited horticultural education, therapeutic sessions, volunteering, annual flower show and work experience for students.