The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) has issued groundbreaking guidance urging British homeowners to radically rethink their gardens as frontline defences against climate change.
Transforming Green Spaces into Climate Solutions
According to new recommendations, traditional lawn-dominated gardens should give way to climate-resilient designs featuring drought-tolerant plants, rainwater harvesting systems, and natural flood management features. This shift represents a fundamental change in how we view our private outdoor spaces.
Addressing Britain's Climate Challenges
The guidance comes as the UK faces increasing climate-related threats, including more frequent heatwaves that parch conventional lawns and intense rainfall that overwhelms drainage systems. DEFRA's advice aligns with the Climate Change Committee's warnings about the need for better adaptation strategies at household level.
Practical Changes for Homeowners
- Plant selection: Choose species that can withstand both drought and waterlogging
- Water management: Install water butts and create natural drainage channels
- Biodiversity boost: Incorporate plants that support pollinators and wildlife
- Surface choices: Replace impermeable paving with porous alternatives
Beyond Aesthetics: Gardens as Ecosystems
This represents a significant departure from purely ornamental gardening. DEFRA emphasises that gardens should function as mini-ecosystems that contribute to urban cooling, flood prevention, and wildlife corridors. The approach recognises that collective small-scale changes can create substantial environmental benefits across communities.
The guidance also highlights how climate-adapted gardens can reduce maintenance demands while increasing resilience to extreme weather events that are becoming more common across the UK.
