Despite being one of the largest urban areas in Europe, almost two thirds of London is made up of green spaces and more than 1300 sites are recognised as being of value to wildlife[1]. What do Londoners want from their green spaces[2]? And could more be done to support and protect biodiversity in them?
The London Assembly Environment Committee wants to hear people’s views on the state of London’s green spaces and the importance of the urban wildlife - plants, insects and animals - supported within them.
The Committee wants to investigate concerns that green areas which are important to biodiversity may come under pressure from development, reductions in public funding and fewer staff within local boroughs to manage or protect them.
As part of its investigation, it wants to hear from Londoners about their priorities for green spaces - large and small - any changes they have seen in their local areas and if they think the Mayor[3] and others are doing enough to support and protect biodiversity and green areas. People can access the survey here.
Murad Qureshi AM, Chair of the Environment Committee, said: “London’s tall buildings and large paved squares are only one aspect of its landscape, as there are also green spaces throughout the capital, each of which can be home to an array of animals, birds and plants.
“We want to know how these areas are coping in the face of pressures that come as London’s population expands and if enough is being done to protect them. We really hope people will take part in our survey so we can find out from people how London’s wildlife is faring in their communities and what really matters to them when it comes to managing our green spaces.”
People are being asked to give their comments by 4 September if possible so they can feed into the Committee’s September meeting.
Notes to editors:
- These are Sites of Importance for Nature Conservation. See P4 of the Natural England report State of the natural environment in London
- Wildlife can be found in parks, woodland, heathland, commons, allotments, gardens, marshes, cemeteries, reservoirs, green belt, green roofs farmland and even on some ‘brownfield’ sites.
- The Mayor published a Biodiversity Strategy in 2002.
- Find out more about the investigation
- Murad Qureshi AM, Chair of the Environment Committee, is available for interview. See contact details below.
- As well as investigating issues that matter to Londoners, the London Assembly acts as a check and a balance on the Mayor.
For more details, please contact Lisa Moore or Julie Wheldon in the Assembly Media Office on 020 7983 4228/4283. For out of hours media enquiries please call 020 7983 4000 and ask for the Assembly duty press officer. Non-media enquiries should be directed to the Public Liaison Unit, Greater London Authority, on 020 7983 4100.