National Infrastructure Commission recognises that paved-over front gardens increase flood risk!
The largely-ignored epidemic of front gardens being lost to hard surfacing seems, at last, to have been recognised by national bodies.
First, in November 2022 the influential National Infrastructure Commission (NIC) published “Reducing the risk of surface water flooding” which specifically mentions that paved-over front gardens increase flood risk.
And then, early in 2023, the Government said it will consult on whether to making sustainable drainage systems (SuDS) mandatory for new development from 2024.
- What you can do
Depaving in action
Fiona has removed part of the extensive brick paving in her front garden to make it better for wildlife and the local environment.
- Inspiration
Heatwave Health Alert: don’t re-pave, de-pave!
Paved-over front gardens make houses even hotter in heatwaves. That’s because the surface absorbs heat during the day and releases it at night, and there are no plants to provide shade and cooling (via evapotranspiration).
- What you can do
It’s not just flooding!
It’s great to see the London Fire Brigade highlighting how paved front garden contribute to flooding, at this year’s Chelsea Flower Show. But paving causes lots of other problems as well and makes the impacts of climate change worse.
- Inspiration
We need hedges! But what sort?
Hedges make urban life better in many ways. But many are being torn out as front gardens are lost to parking. Christine Eborall finds out why hedges should not be overlooked and points to the right type of hedge for you.
- What you can do
Transformation in Twickenham
Lockdown walks made Nancy realise how many of the front gardens in her Twickenham neighbourhood were dreary and depressing. So she decided to do something about hers.
- Inspiration
Bees need front gardens!
Bees, butterflies, moths, flies, wasps and beetles – the many pollinating insects – are vital for our gardens to grow.
They also more than help to produce food worldwide. But urbanisation and intensive farming are causing dramatic declines in pollinator numbers.
The good news is that our humble gardens, including front gardens, are a real help in counteracting this by being brilliant feeding stations for bees and other pollinating insects.
- What you can do
Front Gardens on the Frontline
Will good government policies for cleaner cars have unintended consequences and lead to the loss of more front gardens? Christine Eborall of the Ealing Front Gardens Project explores.
- Opinion
Britain’s Vanishing Front Gardens: Are We Letting the Most Local Of All Green Spaces Disappear?
When people talk about how green their area is, they often mention parks and green spaces but not domestic front gardens, even though these can make up more of an area’s green space than parks.
Christine Eborall and Paul de Zylva explore the consequences of Britain’s disappearing front gardens and offer some creative ways to keep them and their multi-purpose role intact.
- Inspiration
Save unloved gardens with garden-sharing
Gardening boosts our health and well-being but what if you can’t garden or don’t have one? Lend and Tend are here to help.
- What you can do
A New Threat - Electric Vehicles
We think electric vehicles will cause even more front gardens to disappear.
- Opinion
