St Peter's Forest
A London school forest to combat traffic pollution.
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Trees
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Square Meters
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Native Species
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Youth Impacted
Self sustaining pocket forest
Planted in March 2023 as part of SUGi’s mission to restore ecological richness in East London and create a living, native ecosystem for the school community. While the forest has faced challenges and many trees have struggled to establish, it remains an important step in regenerating the land. With ongoing care and natural resilience, the site holds the potential to recover and grow into a thriving, self-sustaining ecosystem over time.
Students can observe a native ecosystem coming back to life. The forest supplements the pupils' studies at a formative time in their educational lives. Given the school is directly next to the busy Ripple Road, the planting of native trees at this site helps to reduce air pollution; creating a healthier atmosphere for the entire school community.
Forest Maker
James Godfrey-Faussett
Forest Partner
Ecosystem Restored
Final report: 15.07.2025
After approximately three years our SUGi Pocket Forests become self-sustaining. They no longer require human maintenance or watering, and can be handed over to Nature for biodiversity and complexity to naturally develop.
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Survival Rate
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People living within 300 meters
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kg of potential CO2 sequestration
Biodiversity
Biodiversity is all the different kinds of life you'll find in one area—the variety of animals, plants, fungi, and even microorganisms like bacteria that make up our natural world. Each of these species and organisms work together in ecosystems, like an intricate web, to maintain balance and support life.
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Potential number of mammals
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Potential number of birds
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Potential number of amphibians
“A forest classroom will offer our children a learning environment they wouldn't ordinarily experience right on their doorstep. To be able to appreciate the value of nature and outdoor learning will be invaluable to their personal development and wellbeing.”
Gail McBride, Deputy Headteacher, St Peter's Catholic Primary School
Forest Report: 2024
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Forest Age
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Survival Rate
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Average of Tallest 3 Trees
The forest was planted around some more mature fruiting trees and has grown in the shade of these trees. Although the growth has been slower due to less light, the forest is healthy and strong. The protected site has brick walls on 3 sides and creates a great microclimate that traps the warmth in the colder months.
Biodiversity Notes:
Forest Report: 2023
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Forest Age
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Average of Tallest 3 Trees
The young forest at St. Peter's School occupies a small space at the end of the courtyard, creating a small yet vibrant planting area. Its strategic location is enhanced by natural protection from the wind, walls and a hedge.
Planted just 8 months ago, the area comprises a mix of new trees integrated with older ones, contributing to the overall biodiversity of the space. The health of the planting area is evident, with the presence of various fungi and snails signaling a thriving ecosystem and a harmonious relationship between the soil and the trees.
However, it is worth noting that among the generally flourishing trees, there has been limited success with Cherry trees, as only a few have not survived.
Straw mulching is still present, however, it is largely covered by weeds.
In general, St. Peter's School forest is in a good state for its first months, and biodiversity is starting to become evident, as described above.
Biodiversity Notes:
“Although the school has a wild area, it's not used by the children and is largely neglected by the local biodiversity. By rewilding this area with a mix of native forest and wildflowers, we hope to create a fun interactive play area for the young children to enjoy and learn from.”
James Godfrey-Faussett, SUGi Lead Forest Maker
Planting: March 2023
