Historical woodland donated to Brondesbury school

On Saturday 15 July, we celebrated the gifting of 722sqm of historical land to Malorees Infant & Junior School in Brondesbury, Brent. 

This incredible community gesture will allow the school to extend teaching and learning opportunities in the woodland, plus the creation of Community Dig Days.

The donation was celebrated at the School's Summer Fair, attended by over 300 people. 

We have owned the land since 2000, buying it from Brent Council and then leasing to the school. We decided that we had no future plans to develop the land for building and therefore would prefer local schoolchildren to enjoy the benefits of increased investment in outdoor learning.

The woodland area was once part of Lady Salusbury’s Manor House estate and it has been designated as an area of local conservation importance. The land is part of an area that has dozens of trees, with pride of place going to an enormous 200 year-old Mulberry tree. It has many plants, a pond, and attracts butterflies, bees, birds and has been home to badgers and foxes. 

It’s not every day a Housing Association gifts prime London land but this felt to us the right thing to do. We’ve been impressed by Malorees’ skill, care and attention for the woodland and the delight it brings to the children. We want to give something special back to the local community we serve in. This is a lasting legacy for generations to enjoy and discover the wonders of nature. We wish the school the very best.

Vicky Savage, Executive Director of Development at Network Homes

Sian Davies, Executive Head of Malorees Infant & Junior Schools, said: “Malorees is passionate about outdoor learning and we are absolutely thrilled that future generations of our school children, and local community, can experience such a magical area to explore and learn. We cannot thank Network Homes enough.” 

L-R: Catherine Gallimore, Head of Infant School; Robert Singh, Chair of Governing Body; Cllr Carol Shaw from Brent Council; Sian Davies, Executive Head of Infant & Junior Schools; Matt Cattell, Senior Construction Project Manager at Network Homes, with Ethan Jessop, Infant School Council and Megan Deards, Junior School Council. Photos by Sol Aizcorbe.