The Horniman Museum has launched a £10,000 appeal to create a new protective woodland area alongside the A205 South Circular, writes Simon Throssell…
High levels of pollution from one of the country’s busiest roads have been affecting the Museum’s Gardens and its local wildlife at an increasing rate.
The London Road Tree Planting Appeal will develop the existing plant border into a visual barrier that is safe and welcoming for people and wildlife.
Ninety trees will be planted in the 300m2 micro-forest along with a mix of native shrubs, herbaceous plants and 2000 bulbs.
A line of silver birches placed at the front will act as a green screen shield to improve CO2 absorption and reduce noise pollution.
Areas of remaining grass will be left to grow long and return to a meadow.
One of the major champions of the appeal is garden designer and TV presenter Joe Swift, who said: “The Horniman Gardens have always been a wonderful resource for all of the local community, and this past year has seen them play an even more important role in helping people’s mental health and wellbeing.
“But the Gardens and the wildlife that live there suffer from noise and air pollution at an increasing rate.
“This year, this problem will be tackled, by creating this brilliant barrier from the main road, but we need your help.”
The appeal aims to raise £10,000 in total.
A donation of £60 will go towards planting a silver birch tree that can absorb up to 3,100 kilograms of CO2 over a 20-year period.
Smaller donations of £15 or £30 will keep the woodland border topped-up with layers of vegetation and support as much wildlife as possible.
Read more about the appeal and make a donation at https://www.horniman.ac.uk/support-us/london-road-tree-appeal/