Nov/Dec 2021

November/December 2021 51
The pandemic made us all realise the
importance of green space in and
around our neighbourhoods. The
benefits of green space are extensive
and well documented – for our own
health and well-being as well as
for the global climate, nature and
biodiversity.
Redbridge Council has recently
undertaken a thorough review
and update of its policies
for managing our green
space. For the first time
ever, we have a Green
Urban Landscape Policy
that puts nature and an
equitable distribution
of green space at its
heart.
Nearly 500 people
participated in
the consultation,
showing the value
our residents also put
on our green space –
with environmental
concerns and societal
benefits featuring
prominently in the
submissions.
In line with the views
received, our new
strategy puts the needs
of residents and nature
at its heart as it sets
out how the council
will protect, manage
and improve greenery
and trees.
The action plan included
in the policy sets out a
number of actions the
council will take over the next
three years.
We aim to plant over 2,000 new
highway trees in addition to several
hundred replacement trees, and to
replant many shrubs that have been lost
from highway beds. This is in addition to
thousands more trees that will be planted
on other sites across the borough as we seek
to support the London-wide target of a 10%
increase in canopy cover by 2050.
We have trialled a number of grow zones
across the borough where we left grass verges
to grow to benefit biodiversity. Initial studies
of these sites have revealed an incredible
variety of plants and insects, with over 100
different plants identified. We therefore plan
to increase these to cover 50,000 square
metres across the borough, which equates to
25% of high grass verges.
Our new policy rightly recognises that we
need to work with residents to promote
the value of our green space, and to help us
protect, manage and enhance it.
Our tree pit adoption scheme saw over 1,300
tree pits signed up for adoption this year and
we are aiming to double this. Next year, we’ll
also be giving away free packets of wild flower
seeds to all those who adopt a tree pit. So,
make sure you adopt yours – all those who
have previously adopted them will need to
reapply again this year.
We’re grateful to all our community groups,
including the Wanstead and South Woodford
Community Gardeners, Wild Wanstead and
the South Woodford urban orchard, as well
as those that maintain the green space
around our places of worship and schools.
These groups play a vital role, enhancing our
natural environment and building strong
communities. To support these and other
groups across the borough, we’re giving away
a record 50,000 bulbs this year for planting in
publicly accessible sites.
We also want to encourage people to improve
greenery on private land and we will soon
be publishing details of our winter fruit tree
giveaway.
Finally, we will be hosting an online session on
1 December to explain more about the Green
Urban Landscape Policy and our plans to
improve greenery and tackle climate change,
and how you can get involved.
Please mention the South Woodford Village Gazette when responding to adverts