Laura Sharman 21 November 2019

Hedges around parks can halve pollution, study finds

Planting a hedge in front of a park can cut air pollution in half, a new study has found.

Experts from the University of Surrey measured traffic pollutants with the use of emerging pollution sensing technology behind and in front of a hedge around a children’s park.

Over a period of five months they found a reduction in pollution concentration levels behind the hedge by more than 50% in late April.

Professor Prashant Kumar, founding director of GCARE at the University of Surrey, said: ‘We believe our study is the first to look at how a hedge affects the pollution from traffic – assessing the influence of the vegetation lifecycle, wind direction and other variables. The reduction in pollution after the green-up stage gives valuable information regarding where to install green infrastructure across our communities.

‘This study has not only produced unique evidence and support for our advocacy to install hedges and other forms of green infrastructure (where appropriate) along busy roadsides to protect schools, playgrounds and pedestrians/cyclists from air pollution exposure; it has also provided a clear indication that evergreen species should be favoured for barriers against air pollution to exploit their year-round performance.’

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Rehabilitation Officer Vision Impairment

London Borough of Richmond upon Thames and London Borough of Wandsworth
£38,976 - £52,767
Rehabilitation Officer Vision Impairmen... Twickenham, London
Recuriter: London Borough of Richmond upon Thames and London Borough of Wandsworth

Residential Worker

Wakefield Council
£32,061.00 to £34,434.00, Grade 7.
We are looking for a Full-Time Children's Residential Worker to join our team at Clarence Children's Home in Wakefield Wakefield, West Yorkshire
Recuriter: Wakefield Council

Community Development Officer

The Royal Borough of Windsor & Maidenhead
£32,962 - £36,791 per annum
We have an exciting opportunity for a Community Development Officer to join us! Maidenhead, Berkshire / Multiple
Recuriter: The Royal Borough of Windsor & Maidenhead

Telecare Responder

Durham County Council
Grade 6 £28,142 to £31,022 per annum
Could you respond to emergency calls, gain access and administer first aid if necessary? Could you assist in the provision of an equitable Countywide Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Social Worker - Assessment & Intervention, Mid Team

Essex County Council
£34902.0000 - £50081.0000 per annum
Social Worker - Assessment & Intervention, Mid TeamPermanent, Full Time£34,902 to £50,081 per annum Location
Recuriter: Essex County Council
Linkedin Banner