The London Example
What New York and other US cities can learn about growing their own food and fighting climate change
As readers of this page know, I occasionally invite guest writers to post stories here. This week’s post is by The Safina Center’s junior fellow Melissa Randall.
About 30 minutes outside of London is a small village called Hanwell. Known for British landmarks such as St. Mary’s Church, the Hanwell Clock Tower, and the Wharncliffe Viaduct, the town also plays an important role in modern urban gardening. Home to Brent Lodge Park, Hanwell Meadows, and not far from the Royal Botanic Gardens, the green space in Hanwell offers residents opportunities to pick fresh fruit. While walking along the River Brent, where houseboats often dock, one can pick blackberries along the trail en route to Elthorne Triangles Orchard and Brent River Park / Elthorne Park Extension. The area, for the most part, is well cared for and respected by locals, making it possible for the entire community to enjoy the green spaces.
The passion for urban and community gardens extends beyond Hanwell and into London, with allotments in high demand. Allotments, or small plots of land rented to individuals for growing plants, are incredibly beneficial to not only London residents but the environment. Allotments encourage biodiversity…
