Campaigners are backing a call for more grow zones to increase biodiversity in open areas.

Around 36 emails were sent to Redbridge Council asking for the grow zones to be expanded, as part of a campaign organised by Wild Wanstead.

The wildlife group which aims to transform Wanstead into a multi-garden nature reserve, has seen a call from many residents wishing for grow zones in the area to expand.

A spokesperson from Wild Wanstead, who called the UK “one of the most nature depleted countries in the world” believes councils can play their part in fighting against the decline of wildlife species.

The spokesperson said: “More and more residents are using their gardens to help wildlife by planting trees and flowers and greening up driveways and patios.

“The Grow Zones are a simple way for the Council to play their part, by letting areas of grass that are usually cut short to be left to grow long and naturalise with wildflowers over spring and summer. Meadow grassland supports eight times more biodiversity than regularly mown grass.

“That’s why we’re calling on Redbridge to extend the Grow Zones project, which has been piloted over the last couple of years in Wanstead.

“The time is right to commit to wild areas across the borough. Let’s make Grow Zones the norm – so that all road verges are mown once per year at the end of summer and all urban green spaces have areas designated for long grass and wildflowers.”

The spokesperson continued: “That’s why we’re calling on Redbridge to extend the Grow Zones project, which has been piloted over the last couple of years in Wanstead.

“The time is right to commit to wild areas across the borough. Let’s make Grow Zones the norm – so that all road verges are mown once per year at the end of summer and all urban green spaces have areas designated for long grass and wildflowers.”

Cllr Donovan said: “The number of letters we have received clearly illustrates the strength of feeling on this issue.

“We as local councillor support the grow zone project, which has already increased the biodiversity of a number of areas in Wanstead.

“But we do need to increase the coverage more rapidly, expanding areas and increasing biodiversity corridors.

“Connectivity between green spaces is crucial and can be done in this area with our wealth of verges and open areas. Now coming out of the coronavirus pandemic, is the right time to really expand this work.

“Clearly the greater engagement with the natural world has increased the appetite of the public for more wilding of green spaces – we must respond to that call.”

Wild Wanstead is calling for people to email the council to contribute to this campaign.

The campaign group has asked for people for emails to include their postal address, and to get in contact with their local councillor along with:

John.Howard@redbridge.gov.uk

kam.rai@redbridge.gov.uk

wildwanstead@yahoo.com