A primary school has installed a ‘living green wall’ in a bid to help the environment.

Pupils at George Spicer Primary School installed the vertical garden of growing ivy on the Southbury Road side of their playgrounds in the hope it will reduce nitrogen dioxide emissions by up to 20 per cent.

The wall is also in place to protect the children from transport noise from the busy road near the school.

Headteacher, Dominic Spong, said: “We are delighted that the living green wall is now installed. This has been something I have been very keen to see happen for everyone.

“Not only will it enhance the quality of the air for the children, but additional green plants are always aesthetically pleasing in built up environments. With thanks to Enfield Council for supporting this project.”

The council has a commitment to become a carbon neutral organisation by 2030 and for Enfield to contribute to London-wide carbon neutrality.

The efforts will be led by the Climate Change Task Force, led by Enfield Council’s Deputy Leader Cllr Ian Barnes.

Cllr Barnes said: “A green wall is an effective, low-cost way of removing pollutants from the air our children breathe. However, as London continues to battle with high levels of air pollution, predominantly caused by road vehicles, we need to be looking at nimble, long-lasting solutions.

“This is why the Climate Change Task Force is building on progress we’ve already made as a Council to reduce our carbon footprint and is introducing initiatives to improve residents’ quality of life.”

Enfield Council's Cabinet Member for Children’s Services, Cllr Rick Jewell, added: “Every child deserves to be able to learn and play in an environment with clean air. In addition to the environmental health benefits, the wall will contribute to outdoor project based learning and inspire critical thinking about the environment.”