The H&F Climate and Ecology Strategy not only sets out the council's route to net zero emissions, but also our plan to address the ecological emergency and declining levels of biodiversity in the borough.
Protecting our natural environment helps us to tackle climate change, as healthy habitats remove and store carbon from the atmosphere. It also supports the health and wellbeing of our communities by improving air quality, enriching and expanding local green spaces, and increasing resilience to the damaging effects of climate change. By using specific species in our planting, or by installing green screens or walls, we can improve local air quality and protect those most at risk from pollution.
Progress in H&F
In 2024 H&F Council adopted new policies and strategies to protect local ecosystems and enhance biodiversity. We have been inspired by the commitment shown by residents, who were instrumental in delivering many of the exciting ecological projects of 2024.
Green urban planning
- As of 2024, the council has used its planning process to deliver 27,957m2 of green roofs across the borough. Forming part of a wider strategy to 'green the grey', green roofs can remove pollution, boost biodiversity and enhance the beauty of our built environment.
- Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) became a statutory planning requirement for all eligible developments in England from February 2024. This requires new developments to have a measurably positive impact on biodiversity. The council is ensuring that all developments abide by this policy and maximise BNG onsite wherever possible.
Enriching and expanding green spaces
- The council completed the H&F Tree Strategy 2024-2030 in 2024. This sets out our plan to preserve and expand the borough's urban forest in the years to come, including a commitment to increase canopy coverage to 16.5% by 2030. This will help to improve air quality, regulate temperature and provide wildlife habitats.
- As of 2024, H&F Council has funded the creation of five Tiny Forests. Tiny Forests are dense, fast-growing woodlands, about the size of a tennis court. Each forest packs 600 native trees into a small urban area.
- The number of 'friends of' park groups in H&F grew in 2024, with the creation of Friends of Fulham Cemetery. These groups have supported the council's ecological projects, with monitoring schemes and habitat creation for example. Friends of Wormholt Park helped to deliver a Tiny Forest planting day in December 2024, attended by more than 120 residents who planted hundreds of new trees.
Protecting biodiversity
- H&F Council spent £400,000 to create a new community garden at Frank Banfield Park in 2024. This includes a new wildflower meadow, raised planters, a living habitat wall and wildlife pond, and a new community space made from repurposed shipping containers. The project was delivered thanks to residents who volunteered to plant the shrubs and build the habitat wall.
- H&F Council installed new Pollinator Pitstops in 2024. These support local populations of pollinating insects, such as bees and butterflies, by providing them with the plants they need for survival. For example, we partnered with environmental groups Earthwatch and BugLife to deliver bulb planting in Hammersmith Park and North Open Space.
- The H&F Green Investment facilitated the transformation of Eelbrook Common in April 2024, as the remnants of the old paddling pool were replaced by a vibrant wildflower garden. Residents volunteered to create the garden, which has enhanced the look and feel of the space, provided a home for local wildlife and improved flood resilience.
