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Legislation to Protect Front Gardens
From October, home owners in England (only) must apply for planning permission before they may cover their front garden with impermeable materials like asphalt and paving. Using porous products will not require permission as these allow rainwater through. This legislation comes as a result of Sir Michael Pitt's report into last summer's severe flooding.
His recommendations, with those of the RHS and Environment Agency have resulted in Government reports on water strategy. 'Urban creep' (increasing amounts of hard, impermeable surfaces) and climate change are likely to become greater threats to the environment in future - so this is a measure to reduce flooding and subsequent damage; encourage bio-diversity; reduce urban heat-island effects and improve soil moisture - benefiting street trees. Planning permission can cost about ,150 and take some weeks to get approval, so it is hoped this will encourage householders to chose environmentally-friendly products.
The Environment Agency and the RHS are in consultation and will produce a booklet giving advice on sustainable options for front gardens.
Visit: www.communities.gov.uk/documents/planningandbuilding/pdf/686153
New 'Garden Grabbing' Bill
Caroline Spelman MP is continuing the fight to change the legislation which classifies gardens as 'brownfield sites' - which leaves them vulnerable to development for building. Last year her Private Members' Bill failed to progress far, but she is trying again; this time presenting a Ten Minute Rule Bill which was unopposed by MPs. A second reading is due in the House on June 13th.
Forum for Gardening with Wildlife in Mind
The Forum for Gardening with Wildlife in Mind, of which Natural England is a member, with the Wildlife Trust, brings together a wide variety of organisations including Government agencies, horticultural and scientific bodies, nature conservation NGOs and commercial companies, all with some interest in gardens and gardening, though from very different perspectives. The Forum has produced a document called 'Let our gardens live! A manifesto for gardens, people and nature', which was launched last year.
Great Gardeners Welcome Wildlife
Join them at Regent's Park in London for the 2008 Wildlife Gardening Conference and Fayre. There will be presentations of practical advice from wildlife garden experts Dr Ken Thompson and Chris Baines, plus a choice of practical workshops to help you improve your garden for plants, bugs, birds and bats. Plus up to 50 organisations and companies with stalls providing advice and assistance.
You can view the main Conference and Fayre website at:
www.wildlondon.org.uk/Events/Wildlifegardeningconferenceandfayre/tabid/278/Default.aspx
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