Never before published figures show that there are over three million gardens in Greater London – 3,267,174 to be precise. That’s an area of 37,942.09 hectares. In the face of climate change and habitat fragmentation, this massive expanse of green space has enormous untapped potential for both people and wildlife.

London Wildlife Trust is launching a new campaign calling on our city’s gardeners to Garden for a Living London and pledge to transform the capital’s three million gardens into a network of mini nature reserves.

Three million mini nature reserves

“London Wildlife Trust’s Garden for a Living London campaign aims to highlight the incredible importance of the capital’s gardens to wildlife and to people. In urban areas especially, gardens will help reduce the impacts of climate change.

"They provide shade, absorb carbon, soak up flood water and help to cool the city. They also provide vital habitat for wildlife, and a strong network of wildlife and climate friendly gardens stretching across the capital will provide room for species to move freely and adapt to our changing climate.

“The fact there are over three million gardens in Greater London shows just how important a resource they are. London Wildlife Trust has come up with seven gardening actions that would help create a ‘Living London’ – a city more resilient to climate change and better for wildlife.

"We all have the power to make a huge difference and we all have a responsibility to do our bit. We are asking gardeners to take urgent action now and pledge to Garden for a Living London” says Chief Executive of London Wildlife Trust, Carlo Laurenzi, OBE.

The Garden for a Living London campaign launches today at London Wildlife Trust’s Future Garden at RHS Hampton Court Flower Show. The Future Garden combines wildlife and climate friendly planting with a playful 1950s aesthetic, and provides a working exemplar of how gardeners can adapt to our changing climate and maximise sustainable living.

Pledge to Garden For A Living London

London Wildlife Trust wants gardeners to pledge to do one of seven things to make their garden more wildlife and climate friendly. From something as simple as using mulch or planting a broad leaved tree, to digging a pond or creating a living roof, every one of London’s three million gardens could be made better for wildlife and more able to cope with the impacts of climate change.

Visit London Wildlife Trust’s Garden for a Living London campaign micro-site to find out more about the campaign and add your pledge to the interactive pledge wall. Download our free ‘how to’ guides and our invaluable wildlife gardening pack – the pack and all the guides are full of useful advice and practical tips. Whether you’re an experienced gardener or have just bought your first pair of gardening gloves, everyone can do their bit to create a ‘Living London’.

Boris Johnson supports Garden For a Living London campaign

Boris Johnson, Mayor of London says: “London's gardens not only make life more pleasant for millions of people, they can also be a veritable treasure trove of wildlife. I have pledged to protect our gardens from being eaten up by developers, so I welcome the London Wildlife Trust's campaign to help us make our gardens havens for flora and fauna and help the city adapt to our changing climate”.

Thames Water supports Garden For a Living London campaign

Thames Water is supporting London Wildlife Trust’s Garden for a Living London campaign, as part of their commitment to London’s environment and water efficiency.

Richard Aylard, External Affairs and Sustainability Director for Thames Water explains: “Our customers and local communities are at the heart of everything we do, and we know that many of them are passionate about their gardens. By supporting the Garden for a Living London campaign we can help them to achieve wonderful results with a minimum of water".