Cardiff is set to expand a citywide effort to make school playgrounds more climate resilient, with five sites earmarked for new nature‑rich outdoor spaces aimed at reducing overheating, easing flood risk and boosting biodiversity.
Partnership expands after earlier successes
The programme is a collaboration between Trees for Cities and Cardiff Council under the council’s One Planet Cardiff climate strategy. It follows a five‑year partnership that has already changed the look and function of play areas at around 40 schools.
Work completed so far includes the conversion of a hard, asphalt playground into a varied outdoor environment at Ysgol Mynydd Bychan in Cathays. The redesigned space now features shade trees, raised beds for herbs and vegetables and wildlife habitats, alongside practical measures such as a wormery and a rainwater harvesting system.
“It’s a fantastic addition to the school that benefits the children in so many different ways...the children love learning outdoors and it’s helping our staff deliver science lessons in new and exciting ways,”
The head teacher at Ysgol Mynydd Bychan described the changes as both a recreational and educational asset for pupils, noting how the new planting areas provide opportunities for outdoor learning and for children to grow food.
Which schools are next and why they were chosen
The initial phase will target schools identified as particularly vulnerable to climate impacts. The five named for the next round of work are:
- Ysgol Mynydd Bychan
- Gabalfa Primary School
- St Cadoc’s Catholic Primary School
- Glyncoed Primary School
- St Illtyd’s High School
Designs will be tailored to local conditions: some sites will receive drought‑tolerant planting to mitigate rising summer temperatures, while playgrounds at risk of flooding will be reconfigured to absorb and redirect excess water.
| Measure | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Trees and shade | Reduce surface temperatures at break times |
| Raised planting beds | Outdoor learning and food growing |
| Rainwater harvesting | Manage runoff and support planting |
Local impact and practical considerations
For pupils the changes aim to improve wellbeing and extend outside teaching opportunities. For schools, the interventions can lower playground temperatures during heatwaves, create habitats for urban wildlife and reduce pressure on drainage during heavy rain.
Families and staff with questions about how works will affect term‑time routines should contact their individual school or Cardiff Council for scheduling details and any temporary access changes.
The expansion of the Healthy Playground programme illustrates a growing local focus on adapting public spaces for a changing climate while also offering everyday educational benefits.
