Thursday February 26th 2026
Pupils and staff at St Patricks Primary infront of the 'living wall'
Written by Glasgow View Reporter, Liam Eunson
Just metres from one of Glasgow’s busiest motorways, a school has installed a ‘living wall’ to reduce the impacts of passing traffic.
St Patrick’s Primary, next to the M8 at Anderston, now benefits from a natural willow barrier around its playground to cut noise and visual intrusion while creating a more pleasant and sheltered space for outdoor play.
The living wall, which will sprout and green up as the growing season begins, will gradually transform the view from the playground – softening the noisy motorway backdrop with a natural, attractive setting that offers pupils a more pleasant environment.
Previously, the playground was bordered by a high metal fence that had an open view of passing vehicles as shown below.
On the playground side of the wall, willow rods have been planted which will grow and strengthen over time – coming into leaf each spring. An irrigation system has also been installed to help the willow thrive. On the motorway side, an eye-catching interlaced design of cut willow rods adds to the appeal of the new feature.
Alongside reducing both the visual and noise impacts of the motorway traffic, it is also hoped that the barrier will offer air quality benefits. The willow leaves may help capture particulate matter – tiny particles, which are often too small to see but can affect our health and the environment.
Councillor Angus Millar, Convener for Climate who recently visited the school to see the impacts of the new wall, welcomed the pilot initiative, saying: “The living willow wall at St Patrick’s Primary School is a wonderful example of how we can work together to create healthier, more enjoyable spaces for children that support wider sustainability goals.
“I visited the playground ahead of installation and the difference it has made to the environment in terms of noise and appearance is incredible. I can’t wait to see the willow grow – bringing even more greenery to the heart of the city, offering air quality benefits and maybe even a home for wildlife.”
Mary Moore, Headteacher at St Patrick’s Primary School said: “This fantastic project demonstrates our school’s strong commitment to the health and wellbeing of pupils and staff, while supporting wider environmental goals.
“Our teachers and pupils have been fully involved in this project and are thrilled to see the living willow wall now in place. It’s already making a difference by reducing noise and the visual impact of motorway traffic, and we’re excited to watch it flourish and come into leaf in the months ahead.”
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