Front Gardens Network

Join our third Front Gardens Network meeting to hear exciting presentations from:

• Rosie Whicheloe, a Principal Ecology Officer for a local planning authority in London. Rosie will be speaking on how mapping front gardens can assist with the London Local Nature Recovery Strategy, and how gardens need to matter in Policy and Law. Rosie’s talk will explore the ways in which this might work, the evidence to back it up and suggestions for next steps.

• Charlotte Hitchmough, Director of Action for the River Kennet, will be talking about the Great Green Bedwyn Rain Gardens project. The aims of the project were to prevent flooding and river pollution by diverting rainwater away from the drainage network, improve drought resilience, reduce water consumption by making rainwater easy to use around the garden, increase biodiversity, and create beautiful functional gardens. Drawing on the lessons learned from the Great Green Bedwyn project, Charlotte will explain how the same principles can be applied to London’s front gardens.

The Front Gardens Network promotes de-paving and re-greening of front gardens by enabling people working in this area to exchange information and ideas, amplify the voices of individuals, and promote joint working where it can increase impact. Ultimately the aim is to re-establish important wildlife habitat; reduce river pollution and flooding caused by excessive rainwater run-off; reduce the urban heat island effect caused by paved surfaces; and make streets more pleasant to encourage walking and to promote wellbeing.

Members of the network include community groups, campaigners, urban design professionals and individuals concerned about the consequences of front garden destruction, including the increased risk of flooding. The meetings are a great opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals and are open to anyone who wishes to attend.