St Dunstan’s College has been shortlisted in the ‘Best Wildlife Garden’ category at the upcoming Lewisham in Bloom Awards 2025.

The Lewisham in Bloom competition celebrates gardening projects that support physical and mental wellbeing, increase biodiversity, and promote good environmental sustainability practices, making Lewisham a greener, brighter, and healthier place to live.

This year, the judges will be looking at sustainability, for example, perennial rather than annual planting, the use of water butts, mulching, composting, and other eco-friendly practices. They will also consider the overall use of space and design, planting choices and their maintenance, and the impact of planting. In the Wildlife Garden category specifically, judges will be paying close attention to the diversity of planting, the range of habitats created, and the overall value to local wildlife.

St Dunstan’s carefully nurtured wildlife garden has become a thriving habitat for plants, birds, insects, and other species. The garden has also provided a peaceful and inspiring space for pupils and staff to enjoy, supporting wellbeing as well as learning.

Speaking about the news, Chief Operating Officer, Saffron Hutt, said: ‘We are delighted to be recognised in this year’s Lewisham in Bloom Awards. Our wildlife garden is a fantastic space that not only supports biodiversity but also provides pupils with meaningful opportunities to engage with nature.’

At St Dunstan’s College, we are committed to creating a sustainable future for our pupils, staff, and wider community. Our Sustainability and Climate Action Plan builds on our 2021 Environmental Policy and sets ambitious goals to reduce our environmental impact while empowering everyone at the College to take meaningful climate action.

Sustainability informs our procurement, estates masterplan, staff development, onboarding, appraisals, and wellbeing programmes. Pupils lead initiatives through the College Parliament, Sustainability Committee, and Eco Society. Annual Planet Mark certification and termly progress reports ensure accountability, while communications celebrate achievements with our community.

The winners of the Lewisham in Bloom Awards will be announced on Wednesday 1 October 2025.