Guide – How to meet the criteria for the National Education Nature Park and Climate Action Awards using Green Screens

The National Education Nature Park and Climate Action Awards offer a unique opportunity for schools, councils, and non-profit organisations to secure funding for projects that contribute to nature conservation and climate adaptation. One of the most effective ways to meet the criteria of this grant programme is through the use of Mobilane’s Green Screens. These natural green barriers contribute to multiple objectives of the programme, such as biodiversity, air quality, and sustainable urban development. 

In this article, we explain how Green Screens can help meet the criteria of the Nature Park and Climate Action Awards, the benefits they offer, and how you can increase your project’s chances of success. 

1. Understanding the Nature Park and Climate Action Awards
2. Why are Green Screens an ideal solution?
3. How Green Screens support award criteria 
4. Steps to integrate Green Screens in your project 
5. How Mobilane can support you
6. Transforming schoolyards and public spaces: our proven track record
7. Any questions? Get in touch with us

Understanding the Nature Park and Climate Action Awards
The Nature Park and Climate Action Awards are part of a UK government grant programme aimed at protecting nature, enhancing biodiversity, and making communities more climate-resilient. The programme provides funding for projects that contribute to: 

• • More green spaces and nature-friendly play areas 
  • Biodiversity restoration 
  • Climate resilience and water management 
  • Air quality improvement

Projects that meet these requirements have the potential to receive significant funding, particularly if they focus on sustainability, accessibility, and environmental education. 

Why are Green Screens an ideal solution?
Green Screens from Mobilane are natural, ready-to–use green barriers made up of living plants, such as ivy, hedera, or other native species. They are often used as natural boundaries for playgrounds, schoolyards, parks, and urban outdoor spaces. These screens offer significant ecological and social benefits, including: 

• • Improving Air Quality: Green Screens help reduce air pollution by absorbing CO2 and filtering particulate matter. 
  • Enhancing Biodiversity: They create habitats for birds, insects, and pollinators, thereby supporting the local ecosystem. 
  • Reducing Noise Pollution: Their dense foliage absorbs noise, contributing to a quieter environment. 
  • Water Management: Their root systems support water infiltration, reducing waterlogging and surface runoff. 

These benefits perfectly align with the goals of the Nature Park and Climate Action Awards, making Green Screens a compelling addition to any grant application. 

How Green Screens support award criteria
To qualify for funding, projects must contribute to the goals of the programme. Here’s how Green Screens help meet each of the key criteria: 

1. Boosting biodiversity 
Green Screens provide a habitat for wildlife, promoting biodiversity in schoolyards, playgrounds, and public parks. They create a living environment where birds, butterflies, and insects can thrive. To further enhance biodiversity, birdhouses can be integrated alongside Green Screens, offering shelter and nesting spaces for local bird species. Mobilane offers Green Screens with native planting, which provides an even greater boost to local biodiversity and supports the growth of indigenous flora and fauna. To make biodiversity measurable, Mobilane also offers a DNA InsectScan. This innovative tool allows for the analysis and quantification of the biodiversity present within the Green Screens, offering valuable insights into the local ecosystem’s health and variety. See below examples:

• • A primary school installs Green Screens around its playground to create a mini-ecosystem that attracts birds and insects. Students also use the area for nature-based learning activities.
  • A school installs Green Screens with native plants and birdhouses along the edge of its playground. The addition of a DNA InsectScan allows the school to measure biodiversity over time, using the data for student-led science projects and nature-based learning activities. 
  • A community park introduces Green Screens with native flora and integrates a DNA InsectScan to track biodiversity. The collected data is shared with local conservation groups and used to engage the public in citizen science initiatives, raising awareness about local wildlife and its protection. 
  • A school installs Green Screens with native plants and birdhouses along the edge of its playground. The addition of a DNA InsectScan allows the school to measure biodiversity over time, using the data for student-led science projects and nature-based learning activities. 

2. Enhancing air quality 
Green Screens play a vital role in absorbing CO2 and filtering particulate matter, especially in urban areas or locations close to busy roads. Research conducted in collaboration with the University of Staffordshire has shown that Mobilane’s Green Screens can capture 40-60% of PM10 particulate matter, significantly improving local air quality. See below examples:

• • A nursery installs Green Screens around its outdoor play area. The Green Screens reduce the exposure of young children to air pollution from nearby roads, providing a cleaner, safer environment for play and learning. The nursery also shares this initiative with parents as part of its commitment to child welfare and sustainability. 
  • A local council installs Green Screens along a busy pedestrian route that runs parallel to a heavily trafficked road. The Green Screens act as a natural air filter, capturing up to 60% of particulate matter (PM10) and improving air quality for pedestrians and cyclists. Additionally, the lush greenery enhances the aesthetic appeal of the walkway, encouraging more people to walk and cycle rather than drive. Informational signage is installed to educate the public on the environmental benefits, further promoting sustainable commuting choices. 
  • A primary school integrates Green Screens along the boundaries of its playground. The Green Screens reduce children’s exposure to air pollution from nearby traffic and provide a natural barrier, enhancing safety and comfort for children during playtime. 

3. Climate resilience and water management 
Green Screens’ root systems improve rainwater infiltration, reducing surface water runoff and the risk of flooding. See below examples:

• • A community park installs Green Screens to support rainwater management along pathways and water catchment systems, creating a climate-resilient space. 
  • A primary school uses Green Screens around its playground, reducing water pooling after heavy rains. The improved drainage system ensures that play areas remain usable year-round, enhancing the safety and enjoyment for children. 
  • A housing development incorporates Green Screens as part of its sustainable urban drainage system (SUDS) strategy. The screens aid in water infiltration, preventing flooding in communal green areas and improving the overall water management of the site. 
  • A community park installs Green Screens to support rainwater management along pathways and water catchment systems, creating a climate-resilient space. 

4. Enhancing play areas for children
Green Screens provide natural, child-friendly boundaries for schoolyards and playgrounds, separating them from roads or other potentially hazardous areas. See below examples:

• • A school uses Green Screens to create a natural border between a play area and a car park, improving safety, air quality, and aesthetics. 
  • A kindergarten installs Green Screens along the perimeter of its outdoor play area, reducing children’s exposure to traffic noise and air pollution, while also enhancing the play area’s natural appeal. 
  • A local community playground incorporates Green Screens to create a safe, enclosed space where children can play freely, away from surrounding streets. The Green Screens also serve as a buffer against noise from nearby traffic. 
  • A school introduces Green Screens around its sports field, creating a natural buffer from nearby roads while providing students with a more pleasant, nature-rich environment for physical activities. 

Steps to integrate Green Screens in your project
If you’re considering adding Green Screens to your project for the Nature Park and Climate Action Awards, follow these steps to maximise your chances of success: 

Step 1: Identify the key impact areas

• • Determine which aspects of your site would benefit most from Green Screens (e.g., air quality, biodiversity, water management, or child safety). 
  • Map out areas that need screening, such as playground edges, busy pedestrian routes, or flood-prone areas. 

Step 2: Plan your budget and resources 

• • Calculate the total costs, including the purchase of Green Screens, installation, and maintenance. 
  • Look for opportunities to leverage community support or partnerships to reduce costs (e.g., volunteer installation). 

Step 3: Design a visual site plan 

• • Create a simple site map showing where Green Screens will be placed. 
  • Include “before-and-after” illustrations to help funders visualise the impact of your project. 

Step 4: Create measurable impact goals 

• • Identify how many species will benefit from the project and provide quantifiable targets (e.g., increase biodiversity by 20%). 
  • Outline air quality improvements or noise reduction expectations, backed by data if possible. 

Step 5: Submit your application 

• • Clearly demonstrate how your project aligns with the criteria of the Nature Park and Climate Action Awards. 
  • Use clear, concise language and include visuals, data, and testimonials from previous successful projects. 

How Mobilane can support you
Mobilane offers a range of ready-to-use Green Screen solutions that are easy to install and maintain. To ensure smooth implementation, Mobilane works with professional landscapers who can assist with the installation and ongoing maintenance of the Green Screens. With years of experience in sustainable green systems, Mobilane can support your grant application with: 

• • Technical advice: Guidance on selecting the most suitable Green Screens for your site. 
  • Project design support: Help with site mapping, layout, and visual impact design. 
  • Grant application tools: Mobilane provides a suite of tools and documents to support grant applications, including impact statements and submission resources. We offer a DNA InsectScan to quantify biodiversity, providing measurable data that strengthens the impact of your project. Additionally, we provide access to key research and certification documents, such as BNG (Biodiversity Net Gain) statements for our products and research on particulate matter (PM10) capture conducted in collaboration with the University of Staffordshire. 

If you need help developing a project proposal or preparing a grant application, Mobilane’s team can offer expert guidance every step of the way. 

Transforming schoolyards and public spaces: our proven track record
Mobilane has extensive experience in greening public spaces and schools. Over the past five years, we have successfully transformed more than 250 schoolyards into greener, more sustainable environments using our Green Screens. This experience allows us to provide tailored advice, proven strategies, and effective solutions for organisations seeking to meet the criteria of the Nature Park and Climate Action Awards. Read more about our ‘Green My School‘ initiative.

Any questions? Get in touch with us