New study shows damaging effect of London garden loss

A new study by the London Wildlife Trust has shown that London's gardens are becoming less green.

The Trust took aerial photos of 1,292 garden plots across London in 1998-99 and between 2006-08. It concluded that whilst 24% of London's land is covered by gardens, the proportion given over to hard surfacing increased by 26% increase over the study period.

"The speed and scale of their loss is alarming," says Mathew Frith, Deputy Chief Executive of London Wildlife Trust. "Collectively these losses detrimentally affect London’s wildlife and impact on our ability to cope with climate change. It’s never been more important that Londoners understand the value of our capital’s gardens."

The study identified three major impacts of the vegetation loss.

Many paving materials used in domestic situations are impermeable resulting in excess water running into sewers and drains, rather than soaking into the land. Although planning regulations were changed in October 2008 so that planning permission is now required for paving of front gardens, many front gardens have already been paved.

Hard surfacing also stores more solar energy than vegetated surfaces. This contributes to the heat island effect, exacerbating the adverse impacts of summer heatwaves.

The study also indicated that hard paving strips away a wildlife habitat. On an individual this can have a significant impact on the biodiversity value of a garden. On a larger scale significant changes will adversely affect the variety of wildlife seen in neighbouring gardens.

Full summary report attached.

In response to the report's findings LWT have started a campaign, 'Garden for a Living London' which asks Londoners to "make a pledge to do one thing to create a wildlife and climate friendly garden and help transform the capital's three million gardens into a network of nature reserves".

Read more about the study on the London Wildlife Trust website see the Garden for a Living London microsite here.