Nature at Mulberry Wood Wharf – Mulberry Wood Wharf

At Mulberry Wood Wharf, we believe that children thrive when they feel connected, to themselves, to their community and to the natural world. Our commitment to nature is rooted in our belief that time outdoors and meaningful engagement with the environment supports children’s mental health, wellbeing, curiosity and sense of responsibility.

We are proud to be an inner-city school. While we may not sit in the countryside, we are surrounded by remarkable opportunities: riverside walks, parks, green spaces, planted areas, changing seasons and an ever-evolving urban ecosystem. Nature is not absent in the city, it simply asks us to notice it more carefully.

Our intent is to ensure that all children, regardless of background or experience, develop a strong relationship with the natural world. We want our pupils to observe closely, ask thoughtful questions, care deeply and understand their role as stewards of the environment.

Our Commitment

We are committed to weaving nature thoughtfully into school life in three key ways:

1. Bringing Nature Into School
We are developing our playground and outdoor spaces to include more natural elements, sensory planting and opportunities for exploration. We believe that everyday contact with nature — even in small ways — has a powerful impact on children’s wellbeing and learning.

2. Using Our Local Environment
As an inner-city school, we make mindful use of the green spaces and natural features around us. These environments provide rich opportunities for observation, investigation and reflection, supporting learning across the curriculum — from science and geography to art and writing.

3. Inspiring Families
We recognise that a child’s connection to nature does not begin and end at the school gates. Through our Nature resources and practical activity ideas, we aim to support families in exploring the outdoors together — whether that’s visiting a local park, noticing seasonal changes, planting something at home, or simply slowing down to observe the world around them.

Why This Matters

Research consistently shows that time spent in nature can:

Reduce stress and anxiety
Improve focus and resilience
Encourage creativity and problem-solving
Build empathy and environmental responsibility

In a fast-paced urban environment, creating intentional moments of connection with nature is not an ‘extra’ — it is essential.

This is an area of work we are developing carefully and purposefully, led by Marwah, as part of our wider commitment to children’s wellbeing and high-quality learning experiences. We look forward to continuing to grow our nature-based approach in ways that are ambitious, safe and meaningful for our community.

Mulberry Wood Wharf Primary
20 Brannan Street
London
E14 9ZR

0208 713 0183
admin@mulberrywoodwharf.org

Mulberry Wood Wharf Primary is part of the Mulberry Schools Trust which is a charitable company limited by guarantee registered in England and Wales (Company No. 10035860).

Company’s registered office: Mulberry Schools Trust, Richard Street, Commercial Road, London E1 2JP.