De-paving London: the benefits of removing concete slabs in cities — from increasing biodiversity to reducing flooding

Tarmac, concrete, stone: the materials we most commonly experience beneath our feet in London. Sure, it keeps your shoes clean but it also increases surface run-off when it rains, causing flooding and overflowing sewage systems, plus it radiates summer heat back at night, worsening urban warming.

The benefits of de-paving are many. Grey space is dead space. Removing even some of the covered-over ground in your garden encourages biodiveristy — plant up even the greyest corner of London and the birds, bees and bugs will come.

De-paved ground allows rain water to percolate into the earth where it falls, nourishing plants, refilling aquifers and reducing flooding, while plants are our best weapon for cooling spaces.

And let’s not forget the mental health benefits of greenery. Replacing even one paving slab will let the nature in.

1. Get permission

If you own the space in question then just dig in. If you don’t — for example, if you’re renting or have a restrictive lease —then you will probably need to get permission first. Speak to your landlord and start small. If you’re hoping to garden a public space, getting a group of locals together to make the case will increase your chances of success.

2. Find out what’s underneath

Do some initial investigative work to find out what lies beneath the paving you plan to remove. Concrete slabs are normally laid on a layer of sand; other surfaces might take a bit more effort to remove. Be cautious of underground utilities such as water pipes and drains. The smaller the plant, the less you need to worry.