Nature, Learning and Community: The School Botanic Garden Revitalised
In an inspiring process, Tårnby’s School Botanic Garden has undergone a remarkable transformation and is now a modern meeting place for children, young people, and the elderly. The project aimed to unite nature, education, and social interaction, with a special focus on biodiversity – and the results have exceeded expectations.
Tårnby’s School Botanic Garden was established in 1968 by visionary individuals in a former marshland and served for decades as a unique space for outdoor biology teaching and recreational activities. Over time, however, the original educational and interpretive facilities had deteriorated, and the garden lost its central role as a learning environment. In response, Tårnby Municipality, with Norion as advisor, launched an ambitious restoration project aimed at transforming the garden into a modern, inclusive, and contemporary space for education and community engagement, with a strong focus on biodiversity and sustainability. Funding for the extensive redevelopment was secured through the Villum Foundation’s “Lys og Luft” programme and additional support from the municipality. satte Tårnby Kommune med Norion som rådgiver gang i et ambitiøst genopretningsprojekt med det formål at forvandle haven til et moderne, inkluderende og tidssvarende undervisnings- og mødested med fokus på biodiversitet og bæredygtighed. Midlerne til det store arbejde blev hentet hjem gennem Villum Fondens pulje ”Lys og Luft” og blev desuden finansieret af kommunen.
About the project
Client: Tårnby Municipality
Project leader: Lea Egebæk Eliasson
Time period: 2021-2022 (official inauguration in 2025)
Location: Tårnby
With support from: Villum Fonden
Area: Education, nature, teaching
A shared vision for a vibrant learning environment
The overarching goal of the project was to renovate the garden so it could once again serve as an active space for teaching and community engagement. With a strong ambition to strengthen the connection between soil, animals, and plants, the inspiration was drawn from the garden’s many sensory qualities – the tall trees, the lake’s water, the lush banks, and the sun-drenched lawns dotted with fruit trees. The aim was to multiply these rich nature experiences through varied content and modern facilities that support both learning and social interaction.
To ensure the renovation met the needs of all stakeholders, three participatory workshops were held with existing core users—those already familiar with and using the garden—as well as with potential new users.
During these workshops, key barriers and concerns were explored—from limited accessibility and lack of facilities to challenges with teaching materials and safety considerations. The ideas gathered led to concrete proposals, which largely formed the foundation for the continued development of the garden.
New facilities - an investment in the future
Based on broad community involvement, several innovative initiatives were brought to life:
- A Vibrant Meeting Point:
The new pavilion and adjoining courtyard have created a versatile space for teaching, workshops, and social events held throughout the year.
- Enhanced biodiversity
Through the integration of nature experiences and experimental features, the garden now offers an enriched setting for biodiversity and deeper engagement with the natural world.
- Modern educational facilities
An inspiring outdoor kitchen and updated teaching materials provide schoolchildren, early years settings, and other users with hands-on opportunities to explore and experiment with natural processes.
- Strengthened community ties
By including a wide range of user groups—from children and young people to older adults and individuals with special needs—the garden has become a central gathering place, reinforcing local identity and shared ownership.
In addition, improved access features were implemented, including wider entrances, ramps, clear signage, and a flexible booking system, making it easy for everyone to use and enjoy the garden’s facilities.
An inspiring example for the urban nature of the future
On 27 January 2025, the new pavilion was officially inaugurated by Tårnby Municipality alongside Mayor Allan S. Andersen. The event celebrated the project’s achievements and introduced the garden as a renewed space for learning and community, where over 250 teachers and educators had already taken part in key training courses.
The project and its inauguration marked a clear turning point, transforming the garden from an overlooked site into a central hub for nature engagement and intergenerational community.
The initiative at Tårnby School Botanic Garden has demonstrated how a focused effort—grounded in local involvement and innovative solutions—can turn a traditional natural area into a vibrant and inspiring learning environment. By merging nature, education, and social activity, the garden has become a model for how urban green spaces can be revitalised to benefit all—now and for generations to come.