Tuesday June 30th 2026
St Patrick's Primary's playground with the living wall
Written by Glasgow View Reporter, Liam Eunson
A ‘living wall’ installed to shield pupils from the impacts of motorway traffic at a Glasgow school has burst into leaf – transforming the playground just months after it was planted.
The natural willow barrier at St Patrick’s Primary in Anderston just metres from the M8, has flourished in recent weeks, turning what was once an exposed, traffic-dominated space into a greener and more welcoming environment.
Now fully in leaf, the wall is already helping to soften the visual impact of passing vehicles and reduce noise levels, creating a calmer setting for outdoor learning and play.
The project replaced a stark metal boundary fence with a living, growing feature that will continue to mature over time.
Alongside improving the look and feel of the playground, the willow planting is also expected to bring environmental benefits, including supporting air quality and biodiversity.
The playground's fence before
Cllr Angus Millar, City Convener for Climate recently met with pupils and staff from the school to see first-hand the impact of the project. Cllr Millar said: “I visited St Patrick’s shortly after the living wall was installed and the difference even then was incredible but seeing it now in full leaf and growing tall really brings the project to life. What was once a very exposed space next to a busy motorway between Anderston and the city centre has been transformed into a greener, more pleasant environment for pupils and staff, and shows how green solutions can make a real difference.”
Mary Moore, Headteacher at St Patrick’s Primary School added: “The change has been clear for the whole school community, especially now that the willow is in leaf. It has created a much more welcoming and peaceful outdoor play space, and it’s something we’re all very proud of. Our teachers and young people have been fully involved in this project from the outset and we’re all really excited to watch the living wall continue to grow and flourish.”
St Patrick’s living wall was funded through the council’s Neighbourhood Infrastructure Improvement Fund (NIIF), which supports projects across the city’s 23 council wards.
Funding decisions are shaped by local priorities, with Area Partnerships made up of community representatives having a direct say in how the money is spent.
Previously, the playground was bordered by a high metal fence that had an open view of passing vehicles.
The willow wall was installed earlier this year as shown in the image below. The wall is expected to come into leaf each growing season, while cutting noise and visual intrusion all year round.
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