Clean Air Gardens Project …exploring whether your front garden could protect you from air pollution

Domestic gardens are not just about pretty flowers and well-maintained lawns. These vibrant spaces give individuals and families a unique opportunity to reconnect with nature while receiving multiple benefits (Ecosystem Services). Domestic gardens are often associated with physical activity and outdoor engagement, contributing to improved physical and mental well-being, but little attention has been paid to other benefits, such as their potential to combat air pollution and regulate temperatures. As the world fights the consequences of climate change and deteriorating air quality, the Clean Air Garden project is underway in some areas of London to investigate how garden design could be a game-changer.

We are thrilled to update you on the Clean Air Garden project, which we introduced in our blog article back in April 2023 (click here to read). We have identified a number of suitable sites in London with poor air quality and have recruited participants with suitable gardens, so our study is now underway! This past summer, the SRI team took to the streets of Barking and Dagenham, Tower Hamlets, and Enfield boroughs, leafleting and seeking out willing participants with domestic gardens that matched the design requirements of our study.

We are already beginning to see some interesting results regarding air pollution levels and temperature regulation in different garden designs. We recently presented these preliminary results at a conference hosted by the funder RECLAIM Network Plus, held at the University of Surrey. The conference provided an invaluable opportunity to connect with diverse people, including council officers, industry experts, NGO representatives, and academics – all united by a shared passion for greener, more resilient, and prosperous cities (Figure 1).

Figure 1. Photos of the RECLAIM Conference

Our oral presentation and poster (Figure 2) on the Clean Air Gardens Project received lots of interest from participants (and we look forward to sharing them in more detail later). One discussion that emerged was the significance of this project for city councils. Our study will be directly collecting primary field data, in settings where people live, generating real world data that can be used to support council initiatives to create healthy resilient cities.

Figure 2. Poster presentation

Working on this project has also been a personal journey for me as an early career researcher. It marked a significant milestone as my first successful funded research proposal post-PhD, taking on the role of an air quality expert for this study. I have gained invaluable knowledge and insights into the practical aspects of leading a post-doctoral research project. Attending the conference has significantly contributed to my academic and professional development. It was a platform for learning, networking, and showcasing the Clean Air Gardens Project. Presenting our preliminary results which provided an opportunity to receive feedback and critique from experts in the field, helping us refine the project even further. Moreover, the vibrant discussions and presentations at the conference motivated and inspired me, driving my commitment to delivering innovative contributions and fresh data to promote more resilient and greener cities. If you are intrigued by this conference, check out the link here. It was a journey of discovery, innovation, and transformation that promises to reshape the way we think about urban living and our precious green spaces.

What is on the Horizon?

Our work is far from done. We are committed to a continued exploration of air quality and thermal comfort within different garden designs. Once out study is complete and our results analysed, we will develop a preliminary domestic garden design guide, helping residents and communities harness the power of their gardens for cleaner air and cooler temperatures.

Stay tuned as we unlock the green potential of domestic gardens, paving the way for healthier, happier, and more sustainable urban living. If you are interested in joining or getting more information about this project, feel free to contact Dr Karina Corada, Tel: 020 8223 2316 or email kcorada@uel.ac.uk

By Karina Corada Perez