New green infrastructure in Clapham

Transport for London, in partnership with the This Is Clapham Business Improvement District and Growing Underground have recently installed green roofs on refurbished entrance shafts to WWII bunkers beneath Clapham High Street.

This new green infrastructure will provide habitats for wildlife and improve the attractiveness of the structures whilst creating an exciting feature along the High Street. The vegetation will also help to reduce runoff during periods of high rainfall and filter air pollutants. The bunkers themselves are used by Growing Underground for sustainable food growing, thus delivering greening under and above ground!

This is one example of the successful delivery of greening measures following the completion of Clapham’s Common Ground Green Infrastructure Audit. The audit was carried out by consultants LUC with financial support from the Mayor of London, Lambeth Council and the This is Clapham BID.

The audit identified opportunities for greening which would deliver real benefits for the area, looking at possible locations for new planting and green roofs with support from local businesses, residents and community groups.

“The green roofs are a great addition and appropriate legacy for these important heritage structures that protected Londoners during the Second World War. We are really pleased that the recommendations of the Green Infrastructure Audit are being actioned and would like to thank TFL and Growing Underground for their support.”

Jeremy Keates, This is Clapham BID Manager

“We are pleased we can help towards achieving some of the measures of the Green Infrastructure Audit for Clapham as well as reducing pressure on local infrastructure by reducing runoff and improving air quality. Small measures like these carried out by the community will make a larger impact as a whole on the local environment.”

Richard Ballard, Growing Underground