Breathing BETT
FEATURE
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By introducing green interventions, we can not only improve our air quality but also enhance biodiversity, the cooling effect, psychological and social wellbeing, and long-term sustainability WORDS: ASHLEIGH BROWN
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adiq Khan has been actively addressing the issue of air quality. The Mayor of London has committed to bring levels of fine particulate matter (PM2. 5) in the city down to 10ug/m3 by 2030 – a decade before the new UK legal deadline. City Hall data shows major improvements in London’s air quality since 2016 and further significant improvements are forecast for 2025 and 2030, but according to the World Health Organisation nearly 90% of people worldwide live in areas where the air is classified as hazardous. Director of Blakedown Landscapes, Chris Wellbelove, understands that air pollution is a real environmental concern and landscaping has a pivotal role to play in combatting the health issues that poor air quality can cause. “By incorporating green infrastructure into our landscapes, we can significantly improve air quality, at the same time as creating a more sustainable environment.” As natural air filters, trees have the highest natural potential in combatting air pollution. They remove harmful pollutants from the Chris Wellbelove, atmosphere while providing Director, Blakedown Landscapes, shade and adding to the aesthetic of an area. In London, trees are estimated to remove around 2,000t of air pollution each year, equivalent to the emissions from taxis in central London. “Proper tree placement is crucial in maximising their benefits. By strategically positioning trees near roads and in pollution
By incorporating green infrastructure into our landscapes, we can significantly improve air quality
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hotspots, they can effectively disperse pollutants and reduce their concentration,” says Wellbelove. It is essential that the long-term health of the tree is considered. Importance must be given to tree pit design, irrigation, and climate trends to select the correct tree specimen. “All too often we see trees planted in tiny pits by the roadside as a gesture, but one which is destined to fail.” (See page 57) In confined spaces, such as playgrounds or outdoor spaces for children, green screens or walls of planting are good alternatives. Installing vertical green barriers not only trap pollutants but also help disperse them, creating a healthier environment for children. A study conducted by Kings College revealed that installing green screens in a school playground bordering a busy road reduced the levels of hazardous pollutants, including nitrogen dioxide and microscopic particulate matter by 36% and 41% respectively. Other forms of green infrastructure can also contribute to cleaner air in our environments. Parks and gardens, green roofs, living walls, rain gardens, and sustainable urban drainage systems all play a vital
Pro Landscaper | March 2024
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