Bringing Nature into Cities – London, UK

Projects that bring Nature into our cities are vital for the environment in built up areas like cities. Not only does it reduce pollution but helps our wellbeing and makes us stop, listen and think in these tranquil nature spaces even if they are surrounded by skyscraper buildings.

I studied Environmental Science at Greenwich University twenty six years ago and to this day I am still interested in environmental issues around the world.

This new plan by Canary Wharf to bring nature back to cities in an artistic way, really sparked my interest and I hope it will for you too.

Benefits of Bringing Nature into Cities

  • Mental Health – a recent campaign by WWF (World Wildlife Fund) has highlighted everyone should have a prescription for nature for your better health and wellbeing. Nature reduces stress levels.
  • The Urban Heat Island – This is where the heat in the city is intensified by tarmac pavements and buildings that absorb heat. By adding green areas and green rooftops, this reduces the heat trapped and cools the buildings.
  • Pollution – Emissions like carbon dioxide can be absorbed in trees and when the trees give out oxygen it helps with air quality.

A Large Tree gives out enough oxygen daily for up to 4 people. Source: The Power of One Tree

The Eden Dock

A collaboration between Canary Wharf and the Eden project in Cornwall is bringing a small part of the countryside into the city of London. It’s part of larger plans to create a green corridor through Canary Wharf and bring nature, wildlife and tranquility to part of a large city.

The Eden Dock includes an art vs nature installation called Nature Rising. It consists of 20 mossy grassy structures in the form of a person, some standing and some siting on benches. There’s habitats for birds, bees and insects and floating islands on water to set the scene for a relaxing lunch break with nature.

Source: @canarywharflondon and @edenprojectcornwall

Vertical Vegetable Farming – Wharf Farm

The future of vegetable growing in cities could possibly be Vertical Farming.

Vertical Farming is growing vegetables like lettuce, baby leaves and spinach using hydroponics (plants grown in water with nutrients instead of soil).

This growing concept fascinates me as I use a ton of compost every year for my vegetable plot (unfortunately no room for a compost bin) and wouldn’t it be lovely if you could take away the leaves part of growing and grow them vertically in water and nutrients.

Whilst learning about the company below, they have plans to install these Vertical Farm walls in schools and workplaces so we could all eat healthy.

Square Mile Farms have brought their Vertical Farm indoors to Canary Wharf, Jubilee Place from 24 September to 1st November.

Walk-ins are welcome on Tuesdays to Friday 10am-2pm to harvest their freshly grown leaves and discover the world of hydroponic growing, all for free.

Source: @Squaremilefarms and @canarywharflondon

The Natural History Museum – Prehistoric Garden

The Natural History Museum has a garden opposite the museum with the same prehistoric dinosaur theme running through it in association with nature.

This free garden (there’s free entry to the museum as well) is in South Kensington, London and is described as a garden of evolution.

There’s dragonflies, birds and a bronze sculpture of a diplodocus dinosaur. There’s plenty of exciting things to spot throughout the evolution gardens which makes it special for historic enthusiasts, nature lovers and children.

Source: Natural History Museum Website

Instagram: Natural_History_Museum



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