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Greening the UK - Why more planting ?

Greening the UK is the 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.



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Last updated: 08/02/2010 15:59

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