Brent in bloom 🌼 – Arneway Housing

Brent in bloom 🌼

Hello and welcome to the March 2025 edition of the Brent Environmental Network newsletter.

As the days grow longer and nature begins to bloom, we’re excited to spotlight inspiring projects taking place across the borough supporting nature, wildlife, and greening, along with opportunities for you to get involved.

Spotlight on Pollinators 🐝🦋

It’s that time of year again: when the bees and butterflies come out to play after months of hibernation! After emerging, these pollinators begin to visit flowers and other plants in search of food, distributing the pollen from flower to flower, helping the plant pollination and reproduction process.

Brent is leading the charge in supporting pollinators through initiatives like the London in Bloom Awards where local parks such as Gladstone Park and Fryent Countryside Park have been recognised for their biodiversity efforts. Brent’s Bee Corridor, a 7-mile stretch of wildflower meadows across 24 parks, is a shining example of how urban spaces can be transformed into havens for pollinators. These meadows not only provide essential habitats for bees, butterflies, and hoverflies but also raise awareness about the importance of biodiversity.

Pollinators like bees, butterflies, and even the humble hoverfly play a vital role in maintaining our ecosystem. These creatures help plants reproduce, ensuring food security for humans and supporting biodiversity. However, their populations face threats from deforestation, pollution, and pesticide misuse.

Hoverflies: Nature’s Tiny Heroes

Did you know that hoverflies are more than just pollinators? They’re also natural pest controllers and waste recyclers! Brent’s parks, including Fryent Country Park, are home to diverse ecosystems that support these tiny heroes.

According to a UK Government report, hoverfly distribution has seen a 44% decline over the last 40 years. Without them, biodiversity would decrease, our food crops and wildflowers would be at risk and our gardens would be less productive. We’d have fewer berries, seeds and fruits such as apples and strawberries. Despite being crucial for maintaining a healthy garden, their contributions as pollinators are often overlooked.

This year, the Royal Horticultural Society and The Wildlife Trusts are teaming up to raise awareness about the vital role of hoverflies. These insects not only pollinate plants but also feed on pests like aphids and break down organic waste. Sadly, their numbers are declining, but with your help, they can thrive!

Here’s how you can get involved:

Plant pollinator-friendly flowers
Create a container lagoon for flowers
Use a spotter guide to identify different species

Spring Gardening Tips 🌳

Transform your garden into a haven for pollinators with these simple yet impactful steps:

#NoMowMay: Skip mowing your lawn to let wildflowers bloom and give pollinators space to flourish
Plant native species – they can be just as colourful and charming as others! Here’s a list of British native wildflowers and another of native trees and shrubs that you can buy from your local garden centre or order online.
If you’re thinking of renovating your garden, consider avoiding pavement slabs or plastic grass. Keeping it natural with grass is best for biodiversity, carbon storage and reducing flooding. You can also create a rain gardenin areas that receive water-run off from roofs. Rain gardens are low maintenance and can absorb up to 30% more water than a lawn!
Limit Pesticides: Protect pollinators by reducing harmful chemicals in your garden.

If you don’t have a garden, you can still help green the environment and enhance nature….

Get some indoor plants or window boxes, or pot plants for your balcony. Gardener’s World has some great suggestions for which plants work best on balconies in this article.

Work with your neighbours and apply for a Together Towards Zero grant to green a communal area, local community space or street. You could even apply for bug hotels or bird boxes to increase local wildlife!

Get involved in an existing community gardening initiative or volunteer on a local nature-based project, such as a ‘Friends of’ or conservation group.

Local Environmental News

A roaring success at Kilburn Repair Café

On Saturday 22nd March, the Kilburn Repair Café, showcased the power of fixing, saving, and reusing, proving that small actions can create significant positive impact in our community and the environment.

With around 100 attendees, the Repair Café was buzzing with activity, breathing new life into cherished belongings.

Here’s a snapshot of what was repaired:
💻 24 electrical items – everything from DVD players and digital radios to coffee machines and laptops
👕 17 clothing items – giving garments a second chance and reducing textile waste
🚲 8 bikes – ensuring smoother rides for eco-friendly transportation
💪 And much, much more – highlighting the incredible range of items saved from landfill

Events like this reflect the change we want to see—a move towards mindful consumption and a greener tomorrow. Whether it’s fixing an appliance, mending a garment, or tuning up your bike, the act of repairing not only saves resources but also strengthens community spirit.

Keep an eye out for updates on future repairs cafés!

Community corner

🌱 Spring Into Action at Roe Green Infants! 🌼

This half term, Roe Green Infants has caught a serious case of spring fever!

The children at Roe Green Infants have been diving into all things Spring and Growing in their lessons, and they’ve taken that learning outdoors. To bring these ideas to life and enhance the school environment, the school councillors and Eco Warriors joined forces to plant colourful spring flowers and plants. Their efforts have transformed the playground areas into greener, more vibrant spaces.

Let’s Get Trash-tastic: Recycling at Roe Green Junior School!

Spring has sprung, and so has Roe Green Junior School’s recycling game! 🌟

One of their star Eco Warriors, Riana, has put together a report on how the school is reducing waste and giving new life to old stuff. From funky upcycled creations to clever ways of cutting down on waste, Roe Green Junior is leading the charge for a greener tomorrow.

Riana’s report is packed with inspiring ideas and jaw-dropping visuals that showcase the school’s creativity. While we can’t squeeze the whole masterpiece in here (our newsletter isn’t quite as eco-friendly on space), it’s got all the good vibes you need to kickstart your own recycling journey.

Want to check out Riana’s full report and photos? Drop us a message, and we’ll happily share the report. 💚

Get Involved

Calling London’s Community champions: Join the Climate Connected Communities Programme

Do you work or volunteer in your community? Are you passionate about making your neighbourhood more resilient to climate risks and extreme weather events?

The Climate Connected Communities programme is looking for community representatives across London to join a brand-new programme designed to strengthen local resilience.

For more details, visit the Climate Connected Communities Website or email Londonresilience@groundwork.org.uk

Submit your expression of interest

Biodiversity & Heritage Walk at Willesden Jewish Cemetery

Join us for a fun community greening day at the Willesden Jewish Cemetery on Monday 7th April from 10am – 2pm.

We will be getting stuck in with some planting and learning about biodiversity. There will also be a fantastic opportunity to take a walk amongst centuries of rich heritage and stories at the Willesden Jewish Cemetery. We will also be having a vegetarian kosher lunch. Places are limited so sign up as soon as possible!

Sign up to the Brent Climate Charter today

The first five organisations to sign-up between today and 30 April 2025 will receive a sustainable hamper worth up to £150.

To qualify for the prize giveaway you must:

Be a Brent-based organisation
Sign-up to the Brent Climate Charter by Wednesday 30th April
Commit to three or more pledges
Make sure your application includes information on how you will achieve your pledges, including how you will measure and track progress.

If you have any questions, you can email business@brent.gov.uk

No Faith in Plastic – Children’s Competition

For Ramadan, Lent and Passover this year, we are asking children to enter the No Faith in Plastic competition. During the month they need to take three pledges to reduce plastic waste:
1) Use a refillable water bottle
2) Reduce the use of plastic plates and cups
3) Use a reusable cloth bag and single use plastic carrier bags

At the end of the festivals, we are asking the children to write a short story (up to 250 words) or draw pictures of their experiences, what they learned and any challenges they faced. The best stories will win a prize. If you want to take part, please email: climatemergency@brent.gov.uk.

Funding opportunities

Brent Together Towards Zero

The Brent Together Towards Zero Grant offers up to £5,000 to help fund one-off projects that tackle the climate and ecological emergency. Whether you have an idea to improve your local area or want to take action for a cleaner, greener future, this grant is here to support you!

Apply today and make a real impact in your community. For more details, FAQs, and how to apply, visit Brent Together Towards Zero Grant | Brent Council

Apply for Together Towards Zero

Warm and Fuzzy heat pump campaign launched

The government launched its new ‘Warm and Fuzzy’ heat pump campaign, to encourage people to upgrade their existing boiler or heating system to a heat pump, with the help of the £7,500 government grant.

The campaign also aims to help homeowners better understand the benefits of heat pumps and the next steps they can take to start their journey towards low carbon heating.

Guidance and further information on heat pumps is available on GOV.UK