A natural heritage asset, trees are extremely important in urban environments: they cool the air temperature, provide shade, reduce pollutants, and absorb water, helping with flood prevention. Urban trees provide a food source and nesting habitat or living space for numerous species of bird, mammal and invertebrate. To maximise these benefits, Wild West End will aim to increase the number of street trees wherever possible.

Go to the London Wildlife Trust website for further information on flora species

Climbers provide biodiversity benefits, as well as some protection and improved thermal retention for buildings. Honeysuckle is a striking summer-flowering climber that produces a rich nectar and attracts butterflies, bees and numerous other species. Ivy, another prolific climber, has the advantage of providing a pollen source into the winter, as well as yielding berries which provide a food source for birds during the winter and early spring.

Through careful selection of wild flower species such as the poppy, thrift, daisies, and cyclamen Wild West End will provide a colourful visual amenity of flowering plants from early spring into the autumn. These will also provide food sources and habitat for invertebrates and birds. To further expand the benefits of wildflower areas, species such as the night-flowering catchfly will be included to provide sustenance to invertebrates that are only active at night.