Green Spaces in Schools: A Vital Resource

Trees Under Threat

With the increasing density of housing, urban green spaces are more important than ever. Yet, schools, which can play a significant role in urban greening, are often lacking in trees and other vegetation.

"Trees are often seen as a safety risk, but the benefits they provide outweigh the perceived risks." - Professor John Morton

The Benefits of Green Spaces

Trees and nature provide numerous health and wellbeing benefits, regardless of socioeconomic standing.

• Improved air quality
• Reduced stress levels
• Increased physical activity

Auckland's Green Gap

Our research revealed a large disparity in tree canopy cover in Auckland's cities, with low socioeconomic areas having significantly lower canopy coverage.

"This matters because trees and nature in general provide us with enormous health and wellbeing benefits, regardless of socioeconomic standing." - Dr. Kate Mulcock

School Grounds: A Missed Opportunity

Despite the benefits, green spaces on school grounds are often dominated by sports fields, with little to no native vegetation.

Adding trees and shrubs to sports fields could provide benefits without compromising play space.

Lacking Biodiversity

Our survey found that native biodiversity was lacking on school grounds, with introduced plant species far outnumbering native species.

"Birds feed in different layers of vegetation and need that shrub layer and some vegetation complexity." - Professor John Morton

Monochrome Monocultures

The most common native tree on school grounds was pōhutukawa. However, planting a monoculture of pōhutukawa is a risk if a disease were to impact the species.

"Diversity is key." - Dr. Kate Mulcock

Room for Improvement

While the current state of green spaces in Auckland's schools is not ideal, there is room for improvement.

Adding diversity, native plants, and trees around sports fields would provide numerous benefits to children and the city's biodiversity.

Outdoor Learning and Cultural Connections

Using outdoor spaces for learning would enhance natural and cultural connections and improve children's wellbeing.

"That is much more than a 'nice to have'." - Dr. Kate Mulcock