Residents who look after their gardens in an eco-friendly manner should be offered reduced council tax rates, researchers say.
A new study from the University of Sheffield has warned cities may have lost between 40–75% of vegetated areas over the past two decades through the increased use of astro-turf and paving in gardens.
This has reduced biodiversity in cities and contributed to rising urban temperatures, according to the study.
Prof Ross Cameron, the author of the report, proposed that eco-friendly gardeners should be offered a reduction in water bills or local taxes.
He said that local authorities should encourage endemic or spontaneous ‘natural vegetation’, including those species considered conventional weeds.
‘Owners who have gardens that look unmanaged and untidy through low maintenance regimes of native plants should not be penalised or criticised, but rather promoted as a “norm”,’ he wrote.
‘Active engagement with the garden (whether “wild”, unkempt or otherwise) should be encouraged where possible, due to the potential health and nature engagement opportunities.’
