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Improve air quality by planting vegetation

Clean air should be a basic right, and we all want to ensure we, along with our kids, are healthy. While Surrey is known for its lush greenery, parts of the county have terrible air quality. In fact, the entire borough of Spelthorne – the most urban borough in Surrey – is an Air Quality Management Area (AQMA).

Surrey organisations are doing great work improving air quality through planting vegetation, shrubs, and plants in town. Also known as green infrastructure, these nature components in the urban area improve air quality, reduce heat stress, and contribute to biodiversity. One of the green infrastructures in Surrey has been proven to reduce air pollution on school grounds by up to 30% (Study by GCARE, Zero Carbon Guildford, and Sandfield School). Such a nature solution can be replicated not only on the local level but at individual homes too.

Installing natural air pollution defences like living walls doesn't just help to reduce air pollution. It also has other benefits such as:

  • Supporting nature by creating wildlife corridors in urban areas.
  • Providing excellent resilience to flooding as well as cooling effect to the adjacent area.
  • Naturally engaging students in environmental education by involving them in building green infrastructure and monitoring the effects.
  • Improving physical and mental wellbeing.