RHS Report: How gardens are UK's climate heroes, and how to design better

What can you do with the latest evolution in "Nature Tech" ? Take a look at the data we produced for the RHS in the report featured below. As our data services are more granular and detailed than other data providers, we can provide precision data, allowing us to map small sites - and individual features. For example: Natural v planted habitat, hedgerows, water courses, individual trees, invasive species, peatland, wetland, etc, all of these are picked out by our in-house AI. Space4Climate Cambridge Institute for Sustainability Leadership (CISL) Connected Places Catapult UK Space Agency UK Green Building Council (UKGBC) #bng #biodiversity #habitat #naturebasedsystems #gentian #naturepositive Royal Horticultural Society Satellite Applications Catapult

The Royal Horticultural Society published their State of Gardening Report last week and it’s been an inspiring read for the Unpave the Way Team! The report emphasises the importance of residential gardens across the UK, highlighting the benefits they provide to householders’ wellbeing, wildlife and the wider environment. We were astounded to learn that residential gardens cover 959,800 hectares, which is over three times the size of the UK’s National Nature Reserves. Furthermore, gardens host over half of the UK’s butterfly, amphibian and reptile species, and more than 40% of bird and mammal species. Some key facts from the report relating to Unpave the Way were: There are 16.6 million front gardens in Great Britain which cover a total area of 162,624 ha, of which 89,000 ha are currently paved over and 124 ha are covered with artificial grass. Householders use 7–8 litres of water in their garden per day, stressing the need for a greater uptake in rainwater harvesting by householders to alleviate demand on potable water resource during summer months. These facts highlight the importance of Unpave the Way as we try to turn the tide on householders paving over and instead inspire and motivate them to keep their front gardens as green as possible and choose permeable paving for driveways. It was excellent to see the RHS encouraging householders to ‘slow the flow’ of rainwater leaving their homes to reduce the impact of flooding, by encouraging householders to limit their use of paving, harvest their rainwater and choose climate resilient plants. You can read the report here: https://lnkd.in/eZ4gSKRY If you’re feeling inspired to make your front garden better for you and nature then visit our webpage for ideas, including a complete climate resilient planting list for your garden! https://lnkd.in/eNhbRpZa The Flood Hub Environment Agency United Utilities Lancashire County Council #unpavetheway #frontgardendesign #slowtheflow #rainwater #rainwaterharvesting

📢Research Publication Alert!🌱🥔 We are excited to share that our latest article:"Greening African Cities for Sustainability: A Systematic Review of Urban Gardening’s Role in Biodiversity and Socio-Economic Resilience" This work was authored by Philisiwe Mhlanga, Ph.D, Niké Wesch, Moteng Elizabeth Moseri, Frank Neumann and Nomali Ngobese and it highlights that while home gardens and rooftop farms enhance ecological functions like pollination and soil health while benefiting low-income communities. However, challenges such as limited resources, weak policies, and poor support hinder progress. The study calls for inclusive, knowledge-based approaches to strengthen urban gardening’s role in sustainable development You can read the full article here: https://lnkd.in/g9aPJh7h

The Royal Horticultural Society have released a new study showing nearly half of the UK’s garden space is paved over. This is bad news for lawn-loving butterflies and moths. 🦋 🌱 Dan Hoare, Director of Nature Recovery at Butterfly Conservation, shares: "Our latest data shows that more than half of UK butterfly species are in long-term decline, including common species that we used to see a lot more of in our gardens. One of the biggest causes of that decline is loss of habitat.” Butterflies and moths need wilder, longer lawns! Our research shows that by letting grass grow long in your garden, you can increase butterfly numbers by up to 93%. Imagine what re-grassing those paved over gardens could do for butterflies. Find out more about managing your lawn in the Butterfly Emergency by downloading our guidance here 👉 https://lnkd.in/e9hHuPgD Read the RHS State of Gardening Report 👉 https://lnkd.in/dT7F7aNq 📷: Wall - Bob Eade

New practical guide: Gardening for more biodiversity in cities 🌿 How can urban gardening help promote biodiversity? The BioDivHubs project has published a guide with practical tips: “Gardening for more biodiversity in the city – A catalog with instructions for biodiversity-promoting measures.” The digital version is available for free download. Prof. Monika Egerer from the Chair of Urban Productive Ecosystems at TUM in Weihenstephan is part of the publication team. Read the full article here 👉 https://lnkd.in/dt_Zt6n3 #UrbanBiodiversity #SustainableCities #UrbanGardening #TUM #LifeSciences (🎨 Artwork from Valentina Arros)

🌱 Excited to announce our new "Garden Wisdom" series! Starting with the foundation of all successful native gardens - soil health. Our lead Muse expert 'Mnemosyne', published author Mindy McIntosh-Setter, breaks down the science of soil biology and challenges common misconceptions about "perfect" soil compositions. We start with a feature article and 7 supporting articles pubslished throughout the month of November. Discover our comprehensive guides on: • The steps to optimal soil health • Understanding your soil's unique "DNA" • Working with (not against) your native soil profile As part of our commitment to evidence-based gardening practices, we're combining traditional wisdom with AI-powered insights to help you create thriving, sustainable landscapes. Read the full feature and first article at wildscapemuse.com/blog #SustainableGardening #SoilHealth #NativePlants

T&M survey looks forward to 2026 - British Gardening is set for sustainable, wildlife-friendly, digital, and resilient growth in 2026, says Thompson & Morgan following a nationwide survey. https://buff.ly/1XEIxNK #gardencentres #horticulturenews #gardenforumheadlines #sustainability

T&M survey looks forward to 2026 - British Gardening is set for sustainable, wildlife-friendly, digital, and resilient growth in 2026, says Thompson & Morgan following a nationwide survey. https://buff.ly/1XEIxNK #gardencentres #horticulturenews #gardenforumheadlines #sustainability

Building Sustainable Gardens in SEQ: 4 Easy Ways to Make a Big Impact Body: Sustainable gardening is all about balance — between plants, soil, and the local ecosystem. At AHI Gardens, we believe small, mindful actions can create lasting change. Here are four simple yet powerful practices you can try this week: Mulch Smartly – Protect your soil, retain moisture, and prevent weeds by applying just the right mulch thickness. DIY Worm Castings – Give your plants a natural nutrient boost with homemade compost. Support Pollinators – Build a pollinator hotel to attract bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects. Propagate Succulents – Expand your garden with easy, low-maintenance succulents that love SEQ weather. Each of these methods nurtures both your garden and the planet 🌍 Read all four guides here: https://lnkd.in/ghjkZXhG #SustainableGardening #AHIGardens #GreenLiving #GardenCare #SEQSoil

New Royal Horticultural Society report reveals scale of artificial grass in the UK🌱 There are now 18 million m² of artificial grass across cultivated green spaces (that’s 6× the size of London😳) according to the RHS’s first-ever State of Gardening Report, created with AI mapping by Gentian. Director general, Clare Matterson CBE says the report has been two years in the making, and the Royal Horticultural Society hopes to see those numbers fall before the next report in three years. The RHS is calling on policymakers to guarantee “space to grow” in all housing and urban planning, ensuring every home has access to a garden. Read the full story👉https://lnkd.in/eZPgws_x #RHS #StateOfGardening #UrbanGreening #ArtificialGrass #RightToGrow #PlanningPolicy #GreenInfrastructure #GardenAccess #Horticulture #ProLandscaper #GreenNews