Ben Greig

Member since 27 September 2022

All input submitted by this participant

There are 2 projects available.

Trending ideas have loaded.

Ben Greig4 years ago On a corner of Darwin Drive there used to be a mature tree. It was removed a few years ago (diseased maybe) but instead of being replaced the hole was filled with tarmac. So the residents lost a tree and a patch of green space. The pavement there is actually quite wide and could support not only a new tree but also a planted area around it with shrubs, bulbs and flowers. This would add more vital green space to the neighbourhood. We know we need all the trees we can get to mitigate the effects of climate change - they cool us as well as absorbing pollution. Now that corner often has cars parked on it. When residents asked to have the tree replaced before they were told it would be too expensive to dig up the tarmac. Darwin drive has a good number of residents who look after and plant flowers around the existing trees there. They would do the same for a new one.Officers would need to advise on the cost but given that city or county contractors (we assume) filled in the tree pit in the first place, we feel they should support putting it right.

Ben Greig4 years ago Cambridge is getting better at planting wildflower areas in our parks and gardens but what about housing without gardens? Can we enable pollinator-friendly planting on balconies in high-rise flats around the city? This adds a vertical pollinator corridor to our growing horizontal ones. And it adds green space to housing that lacks this vital ingredient to healthy living. This could be simply done with bulbs and wildflower seeds, compost and planting tubs. On the Verge Cambridge would love to work with the city council and other local groups such as NCCP and FECRA to make this happen. Start simple - identify a block of flats e.g. in Arbury, talk to the residents' group, make a date, order (peat-free) compost/bulbs/seeds, publicise, have a free bulbs and seeds day! Budget - £500 for pilot event but £2500 to 'go large'. Plant swap/donations can be encouraged at the same time. Timing - spring for flowers/seeds, autumn for bulbs.