BMag-2012 - University of Birmingham

Veg in the city: A bed
planted by the Centre for
Urban Food Growing
Grow your own: Planting potatoes at Winterbourne
Planting ideas for
pollution-free cityscapes
New research has shown that considered
planting of trees and vegetation can
significantly reduce air pollution.
Birmingham and Lancaster-based academics have
found that low-laying plants and ‘green walls’ can
sometimes have a greater impact on filtering vehicle
emissions than trees, as the latter can form canopies
over streets, preventing oxygen from mixing with
the atmosphere.
The report, which provides information on how and
where to effectively plant vegetation, has been well
received by councils, planners and architects.
Rob MacKenzie, Professor of Atmospheric Science,
said: ‘Evidence that ‘greening’ cities has many social
and environmental benefits is growing. Organisations
are starting to invest in this area and give it much
greater consideration.’
The research is part of the Woodland Trust’s
Urban Air Quality report available at
http://tinyurl.com/cufem4w
Centre for Urban Food
Growing takes seed
Plans for a new Centre for Urban Food
Growing are gaining momentum at
Winterbourne House and Garden.
The Birmingham Magazine 23
The concept, currently entitled ‘Urban Veg’ will introduce ideas
on how urban food production can encourage conservation,
well-being, sustainability and social interaction. Training courses
and practical talks on how to grow food will be available to local
community members.
One of the centre’s aims will be to tackle the issues behind obesity
and help the community to develop healthier eating habits.
Sales and Marketing Manager Anna Williams said: ‘We’re still
in the early stages, but Winterbourne staff and our Urban Veg
community volunteers are really excited about the centre.’
Image: Richard Barnes
Image: Jim Smith