Rewilding, ecology, biodiversity and city trees
Our Biodiversity Commission, launched in January 2023, underscores our commitment to preserving and enhancing natural habitats within the borough.
Recognising the vital role of biodiversity in ecosystem health, we aim to create spaces supportive to diverse wildlife, thereby promoting ecological resilience and enhancing the urban environment.
Creating green parklets
The introduction of parklets, combining greenery with seating and cycle parking, aims to enhance the pedestrian experience and promote biodiversity.
Initiatives such as Hammersmith Grove Parklets have not only boosted local businesses by 30%, but also provided residents with inviting spaces to enjoy, contributing to improved air quality and community wellbeing.
To further support the growth of local businesses in the borough, we have issued licenses to 70 businesses to encourage an outdoor café culture.
Street trees and tree buildouts
Our efforts to enhance street environments and improve air quality include the planting of trees and the creation of tree buildouts across the borough.
Trees and green spaces not only make our streets more attractive but also contribute to traffic calming and environmental sustainability.
Since March 2021, we have planted 196 new street trees and continue to add more on our highways. We have also added 272m2 of greening so far this year, and continue to build new rain gardens, biodiverse verges, and planted build-outs.
With ongoing efforts to expand our green infrastructure, we want to create healthier and more inviting urban environments for all residents.
Reducing flooding on our streets
To address the challenge of urban flooding, we are implementing sustainable urban drainage systems (SuDS), including rain gardens.
While these interventions mitigate localised flooding risks, it is essential to acknowledge the collaborative efforts needed with our partners to address broader drainage issues within the borough, including flash flooding made worse by increasing areas of paved surfaces and old Victorian pipework.
