2:10pm Thursday 17th July 2008
A CAMPAIGN has been launched by the London Wildlife Trust to encourage people to turn their gardens into "a network of mini nature reserves".
The campaign, Garden for a Living London, aims to tap into the potential of the 3.3 million gardens in the Greater London area.
London gardens cover an area of 94,000 acres which the trust says could be used to help wildlife and people.
The trust says: "In urban areas especially, gardens will help reduce the impact of climate change.
"They provide shade, absorb carbon, soak up flood water and help cool the city."
It added: "They also provide a vital habitat for wildlife, and a strong network of wildlife and climate-friendly gardens, stretching across the capital, will provide room for species to move freely and adapt to our changing climate."
Bexley environmental group the Friends of Danson Park have already recognised the value of a network of wildlife-friendly gardens.
The group claims the large gardens surrounding the park in Danson Road, Welling, provide a vital green corridor for birds and other wildlife into the park.
It has opposed several planning applications to demolish homes in Danson Road and create mini-estates on the sites on environmental grounds.
Bexleyheath and Crayford MP David Evennett has also been at the forefront of a campaign to call a halt to building homes on former back gardens.
The campaign was launched at Hampton Court Flower Show last week, and it provides seven actions people can take to help create a "living London".
These are: plant drought resistant plants, a mixed hedgerow or a broad-leaved tree; make a pond; use mulch; add a green roof to the shed and put planted containers on decking.
The trust's website has information on ways to achieve all seven ideas.
Trust chief executive Carlo Laurenzi says: "We all have the power to make a huge difference and a responsibility to do our bit."
To sign up to the campaign and get information on the seven actions go to wildlondon.org.uk
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