The borough’s first ‘living roof’ has been put on a bus stop in Cricklewood Lane

The ‘living roof’ is launched on Cricklewood Lane

Barnet Council has partnered with an advertising company to put plants on top of one of the borough’s bus shelters.

The council and Bauer Media Outdoor unveiled the ‘living roof’ at the bus stop in Cricklewood Lane this week.

The idea to put plants on a bus shelter was the winning project in the council’s BarNET ZERO Challenge, which asked residents to put forward their ideas for tackling climate change. Over 100 entries were received and the winners were decided by a vote which took place at Brent Cross Shopping Centre.

The winning project, GRUBS – Green Roofs Upon Bus Shelters, was submitted by Fiona Quinton, who is a long-time Barnet resident passionate about biodiversity and green urban spaces.

The council says that the project’s aim is to help support urban biodiversity, clean the air, and inspire greener public design across the capital. It says the roof, which has been developed in partnership with the Wildlife Trusts is covered with attractive flowering plants, and will help to absorb rainwater, attract pollinators and filter out harmful air particles.

Alan Schneidermann, cabinet member for environment and climate change, said: “This is an exciting milestone for Barnet and shows how community innovation can help us reach our goal of becoming one of London’s most sustainable boroughs. Small ideas like this can make a big difference.”

Fiona Quinton, BarNET ZERO Challenge winner, added: “I’ve lived in Barnet for more than 30 years and love our parks and green spaces. I’m thrilled that residents will be able to enjoy a more calming, natural space while waiting for their bus – in addition to the benefits of increased biodiversity and cleaner air, this will make our streets feel more alive.”

Sarah Mead, head of council and corporate partnerships at Bauer Media Outdoor, said: “We’re proud to partner with Barnet to bring our first living roof shelter to London, following their ongoing successful rollout all around the UK. It’s a step that demonstrates how public infrastructure can be both beautiful and beneficial for the environment and the community.”

The council says the installation supports its wider ambition to achieve Net Zero carbon emissions by 2042 and become “one of London’s most sustainable boroughs”. Plans are under way to install another bus shelter with a living roof in the coming months.

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