Lyreco Education: The Garden of the Future
“The youth of today are the leaders of tomorrow. By nurturing their potential and guiding their passions, we equip them to create a brighter, more sustainable future.”
– Nelson Mandela
Lyreco’s Education team recently partnered with 14 schools to bring the “Garden of the Future” project to life. Each student designed their own sustainable garden, incorporating biodiversity, technology, and eco-friendly elements. These individual designs were then merged into a final collaborative vision, reflecting the collective creativity and environmental awareness of the students.
Alongside the design process, students had the opportunity to hear from Lyreco’s Customer Sustainability Manager, Chloe Andrews, who spoke about the importance of sustainable gardening. Her talk highlighted how eco-friendly spaces promote both biodiversity and well-being, inspiring students to think about the long-term impact of their designs. This focus aligns with the Department for Education’s emphasis on sustainability as a key part of modern learning, encouraging students to be active participants in protecting the environment.
Why Projects Like This Matter
Engaging students in green initiatives is essential in fostering a new generation of environmental champions. When students are given the opportunity to create something with purpose—like a garden that nurtures biodiversity or uses renewable energy—they begin to understand the impact they can have on the world. This goes beyond the classroom; it instils a mindset of sustainability that students will carry into their futures, both professionally and personally.
At Lyreco, we believe it’s vital to support these efforts, which is why our Education Team works closely with partners to promote sustainability in every way possible. From providing eco-friendly products to organising projects like the “Garden of the Future,” we are committed to building a better tomorrow by investing in the ideas of today.
Announcing the Winners
Two schools emerged as winners: Brandon Primary Academy (Years 4/5) and Whitworth Park Academy (Years 8/9). Selected by Lyreco’s Product Leadership Team, the winning designs impressed with their innovative approach to sustainable gardening. The winning schools will receive ongoing support from the Lyreco Education Team, who will volunteer half a day in each school’s garden to help bring their visions to life. This support will ensure the students can continue their journey in creating sustainable, impactful green spaces.
A Future Together
The “Garden of the Future” project is a shining example of what can be achieved when we come together to support the next generation of innovators. These students have demonstrated not only their incredible creativity but also their deep understanding of sustainability—a quality that will be crucial as they grow into tomorrow’s leaders.
By encouraging students to think about sustainability in practical, tangible ways, we help them see that their ideas and actions can truly make a difference. Whether through designing a garden that supports local wildlife or creating spaces that minimise environmental impact, they are shaping the future of our planet.
We look forward to continuing our work alongside our partners and the inspiring students we support, as we all work together to cultivate a greener, more sustainable world.