Media & Government > Lobbying & Government >

Greening the UK

Greening the UK is the horticultural industry's campaign to promote the role of plants and open green spaces in creating environmentally and socially sustainable communities.

GtUK ES Park 7

Plants and green landscaping have a wide ranging positive impact on the local environment. They: 

  • Provide clean air for often busy and polluted urban environments 
  • Maintain vital habitats for endangered or rare species 
  • Mitigate an urban areas contribution towards climate change by absorbing Co2 emissions 
  • Adapt communities to the effects of climate change though absorbing excessive rainwater into the ground rather than diverting it into overworked drainage systems, reducing surface water flooding, and cool urban hubs during heat waves 
  • Mitigate river flooding by reducing soil erosion and stabilising river banks

 

Planting also delivers social benefits that are frequently overlooked. Evidence highlights that increased levels of planting and green space can:

  • Reduce crime in urban localities 
  • Improve economic productivity
  • Cut hospital recovery times 
  • Provide a focal point for social gatherings 
  • Increase pride in the local community and aid social cohesion

To help us highlight the tangible benefits of plants and to raise awareness of the worrying reduction of up to 50% in the amount of planting appearing on planning proposals for new urban developments, please download the letter below, Greening the UK - Template Letter to Councillor, to send to your local councillor.

On 17 September 2010, the Campaign launched its most recent report "The Green Democratic Deficit: Local Authorities' Attitudes to Urban Planting".  The report analyses survey responses from councillors and planning officers across the country.  These reveal that developers are not sticking to the landscape and green planting conditions of their planning applications for new developments. 

In a foreword to the report, Greg Clark MP, Minister of State for Decentralisation said "Urban green spaces provide much needed oases in the midst of developed areas - and can greatly improve the quality of town and city life.  When planned and delivered properly, they can enhance biodiversity, reduce overheating, increase energy and hep to prevent flooding."



Print this page
Last updated: 30/01/2012 09:57

Associated Files - 3 Files Found


Associated Links - 4 Links Found