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Landscape Institute welcomes Mayor’s plans for ‘greener’ London

29th August 2008

The Landscape Institute today welcomed the Mayor of London’s proposals for more green spaces in the capital as part of his climate change adaptation strategy and stressed the importance of a green infrastructure approach to planning.

Susan Lowenthal, chair of the London branch of the Landscape Institute, said: “We are delighted that Boris Johnson has recognised the importance of green space as well as encouraging the development of green roofs, particularly given the recent decision to drop the 100 Public Spaces programme. Current climate conditions are likely to remain with us for decades to come and society must adapt appropriately to these changes.

“The Mayor has stated that he intends to convene a forum of key stakeholders responsible for green spaces to develop an “urban greening programme”. Landscape architects have a critical and central role to play in the delivery of climate change policy objectives and need to be playing a leading role in this forum. We have been saying for some time that climate change adaptation needs to be afforded a greater priority in the policy-making process.

“The skills, expertise and holistic approach to place shaping of the landscape architect are critical to the creation of environments that are robust and flexible to climate change.

Ms Lowenthal said she was also encouraged that the Mayor wanted to improve the function and connectivity of London’s green spaces.

She added: “A green infrastructure planning approach will reduce flood risk, improve human health, provide wildlife corridors as well as more general benefits for recreation.”