Playgrounds of Possibility is one of a suite of 2026 action research projects funded through the MACC Hub (Maximising UK Adaptation to Climate Change). Subtitled ‘Youth-led visions of transformational adaptation,’ the project is led by Dr. Susanne Lorenz, at the University of Leeds, in partnership with Grimes Dyke Primary School, Vesper Hill, and the Yorkshire and Humber Climate Commission.

This project asks children to explore how extreme weather affects their everyday environments and to reimagine safer, more climate-resilient school playgrounds. Children are working with researchers and practitioners to develop practical solutions that address heat, flooding and other climate risks.

Vesper Hill has contributed to the design and delivery of creative workshops at Grimes Dyke. Using what we have learned in that process, we are developing story tools that can be used in other primary school settings to encourage participatory engagement with these challenging issues —  helping teachers to involve pupils meaningfully in adaptation planning.