Meristem’s tips on urban greening, office planting, parklets, living walls, plants and biophilia
Explore our award-winning SuDS planters revolutionising stormwater management. Recognised with the Flood & Coast Award, our planters are the cornerstone of innovative climate resilience strategies. Made in London, they feature cutting-edge Hydrorock technology for superior water retention, making them ideal for urban environments.
Green infrastructure is not just about transforming spaces; it's about transforming lives and communities. By integrating nature into urban planning, we can create healthier, happier, and more resilient cities. The future of urban greening is bright, and with continued innovation and commitment, we can ensure a sustainable future for all.
In the face of a rapidly changing climate, urban planners and environmentalists are turning to innovative strategies to ensure our cities remain livable, sustainable, and resilient. One of the most promising approaches emerging from this intersection of urban planning and environmental science is the integration of Nature-Based Solutions (NbS) into the design and structure of our streets. But what makes NbS so powerful, and how can they transform our urban landscapes into climate-resilient havens?
Bioswales aren't just another landscaping trend: they're a beacon of hope in our urban jungles. Bridging the gap between aesthetics and functionality, these green channels offer a sustainable approach to managing stormwater. In a world grappling with climate change and rapid urbanisation, understanding the magic of bioswales could be the key to crafting resilient cities. Explore the transformative power of bioswales in today's urban landscapes.
Air pollution is rapidly emerging as a critical environmental health issue, prompting the public to become more aware of its dangers. Discover how urban greening, including parklets, greenery, and plants, can contribute to improving London's air quality. Explore the benefits of trees, living walls, and rain gardens, and learn about the role of biophilia and green infrastructure in creating a healthier and more sustainable city.
It is hard to ignore the signs. Extreme weather events are becoming more frequent and are having a greater impact on our lives. Storms Dudley, Eunice and Franklin in February 2022 caused devastation to communities across the UK. As a result of the extreme weather conditions, London was issued with a rare ‘Red Weather Warning’ by the Met office, and people were told to prepare for potential flooding[1].
As increasing numbers of people move to urban areas combined with the widespread use of impermeable surfaces such as concrete for pavements, driveways, and roads; as well as a lack of greenery and vegetation, communities are more vulnerable to flooding. Almost a quarter of London constitutes gardens, but this is disappearing under paving slabs, decking and concrete. We are losing gardens at the rate of an area two and a half times the size of Hyde Park every year[2]. This is not sustainable and exacerbates flooding.
So what can we do to make our towns and cities better protected from flooding? SuDS are one solution.
