More and better protection of our urban green space is called for

London-based garden designer Andrew Fisher Tomlin has today called for councils and local authorities to create more sustainable green infrastructure strategies. In an article for Time & Leisure, Fisher Tomlin said “With all the development that is taking place in London in preparation for the Olympics it’s a disgrace our local planners are not following the inspirational lead of the Olympic Park and Athlete’s Village and prioritising green space in their own local Olympics planning.”

In his own Borough of Merton he has drawn attention to the lack of any planting in the development of Wimbledon Rail Station as well as naïve planting at recently opened local supermarkets.

“I’m amazed at the approach taken to our local street landscape. With repeated studies showing us what we need to do it wouldn’t have taken much to include a few new trees to help moderate temperatures, improve air quality and support biodiversity in these new development makeovers.”

Two recent reports have highlighted similar issues. According to an important study published by the London Wildlife Trust London’s gardens are being lost at a rate of two and half Hyde Parks a year. A second report from the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors recommends a push for more green space in towns and cities to reduce urban climate change.

Removing 10% of urban green cover could raise maximum temperatures by up to 7%. Fisher Tomlin adds “it’s another great opportunity lost and unfortunately there are no signs that the local planners are going to take notice of the evidence.”

FACT FILE:
Fisher Tomlin creates gardens from their offices in Wimbledon, London and Chobham in Surrey. The company provides design and horticulture services for residential gardens and parks and holds international awards for many projects.

www.andrewfishertomlin.com