Study on pollution barriers in Manchester schools begins

Scientists from Lancaster University have begun to plant ‘tredges’ (trees managed as hedges) outside four schools in Manchester as part of a study into which plants protect primary school children best from traffic air pollution.

Lancaster University Professor Barbara Maher has previously conducted research which showed that tredges with certain species can act as a natural filter of harmful particulate from nearby road traffic.

As reported by Air Quality News, The ‘Protecting Playgrounds’ project will test the use of instant tredges with different species, density and leaf shape, to identify the most effective green barrier for school boundaries.

Scientists have also installed air quality monitoring equipment at the participating schools and the trial is set to run into the autumn.

Pollution levels will be monitored in both playgrounds and classrooms to observe what reduction in air pollution levels the hedges can achieve.  A final report on the project’s findings is planned to be submitted to Manchester City Council in late 2019.

The four schools taking part are: Abbott Community Primary, Collyhurst; Manchester Communication Academy Primary; St Ambrose RC Primary, Chorlton; and Medlock Primary, Ardwick.