Good News: The UK’s first rooftop forest is coming to London
BY READERS DIGEST
2nd Nov 2022 Good News
Urban forests are hugely beneficial for the environment. If you're a nature lover, you'll be pleased to hear that London will soon be home to the UK's first rooftop forest!
January 2023 will see the start of a project to create a new rooftop forest in London. Roots in the Sky will be a 1.4 acre rooftop forest of 125 trees and over 10,000 plants.
Why do cities need more trees?
Urban forests are a useful tool in countering climate change. Growing trees remove carbon dioxide from the air, storing the carbon in their biomass.
"Roots in the Sky will be one of the largest urban roof gardens in Europe"
There are other benefits, too. More trees and green spaces make cities more attractive for residents, as well as bringing them closer to nature, which can have mental health benefits.
What’s so special about Roots in the Sky?
Rooftop gardens have existed for a while and are known for benefits such as improving air quality and reducing energy costs by absorbing heat. They often also form great community spaces for people wanting to experience nature without leaving the city.
However, Roots in the Sky will be the UK’s first rooftop forest. Plans include the creation of a sustainable office, commercial and community space that will have an urban forest that is open to the local community and the public. It will be one of the largest urban roof gardens in Europe, contributing to London’s targets for biodiversity and sustainability.
Development will begin in January 2023.
Read more: 10 Ways to improve the environment locally
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