electric), were measured before and However, whilst measures are being
after for comparison. Prior to the taken by the motor industry to reduce
experiment, the Nitrogen Dioxide pollutants from vehicles, substabtial
levels and other particulates around reductions and new government
the school were found to be over 50% legislation to tackle the problem will
higher than ‘acceptable’ levels. all take time.
For the external anti-pollution What the Channel 4 Dispatches
measures, the Hedera Helix Ivy programme did highlight, was that
Screens, 1.8m high x 1.2m wide these greener and simple anti-
supplied by Hedges Direct, were pollution measures, now have evidence
installed as a perimeter solution to show significant contribution
around the school exterior to attempt toward better air quality within the
to absorb sooty particles from traffic local environment, helping to reduce
pollution and provide cleaner air for exposure to harmful pollutants and
the children when spending time preserve the health and wellbeing of
outside. A garden was also created in our children.
the playground area featuring various
evergreen hedging plants to help
For schools and nurseries in heavily
supplement this. trafficked areas across the UK, of
At the end of the 2 week period, levels into high / illegal levels of pollution
were measured again and the results areas, this information will no doubt
were nothing short of staggering. In be invaluable, and whilst funding is
the playground and external areas always an issue, ivy screens and other
of the school, the addition of the planting options can not only be cost-
Ivy Screens and garden plants had effective but more importantly can
reduced the pollution levels by as provide an immediate improvement
much as 53% - a siginificant reduction in air quality, as evidenced in the
within a very short timeframe. programme.
The question is, how much is our The Channel 4 Dispatches programme
London. children’s health worth? In the ‘Highlighting Britain’s Toxic Air
programme, Anna Kettley the Director Scandal’ can be viewed on Channel 4
The Channel 4 programme which of Programmes for UNICEF called for catch-up now.
aired on Monday 10th June at 8pm, a national strategy with ring-fenced documented over a 2 week period, funding so that action can be taken an experiment which saw the school on what she deemed a ‘major child undergo changes both externally and health crisis’, with 86% of children internally to attempt to combat the now breathing toxic air as a result of effects of pollution throughout. The ‘persistent and illegal breaches of the levels of both Nitrogen Dioxide from UK Air Pollution Limits’.
other garden plants in support of
a ground-breaking experiment at
Lordship Lane Primary School in
exhaust fumes and other particulate
matter from brakes and tyres
produced by all vehicles (including
It’s a frightening picture.
which there are over 2000 that fall
To find out more about the
Ivy Screens and plants supplied
for the programme, visit
www.hedgesdirect.co.uk
or call 01257 788281