Schotterrasen

The munificent EU has bestowed another gift, the last probably, to Hammersmith of which we will treat later. Meanwhile what’s happening in the ‘hood?

There has been a crime wave at Barons Court, not Blandings. Our street is under surveillance by plain clothes police from Belgravia police station. You didn’t know how close I live to that more fashionable postcode, did you? Additionally mounted police patrol the cemetery, assisted by Bertie. But my neighbours have plenty more to fuss about. We will have to go to the Great Ouse in Cambridgeshire to watch the Boat Race next year and for many years to come. No sign of a decision on repairing Hammersmith Bridge. Sorry, making it fit for purpose! There was a second leader in The Times this week lamenting our plight.

The demolition of the old magistrates’ court is proceeding in tandem with a legal challenge to the council. And, gosh, the new bins.

I’m almost the only person to embrace them, not literally, that would be weird, and I have short arms. They are ideal receptacles for internet deliveries; the law of unintended consequences. Also, when the weather is clement, will be good tables for al fresco liquid refreshment. Finally, mother and son in the peregrine falcon family have flown away incestuously leaving father falcon on the look-out for a new mate.

Bertie and I went to investigate Schotterrasen. You think you are looking at some raised beds in a small garden on a council estate. Oh no you’re not. This is Schotterrasen. This is the future.

As our climate changes the UK can expect long dry summers and short periods of heavy rain, leading to both water shortages and the risk of flooding. This project aims to show that by installing green measures, like the examples shown here, we can reduce flooding, help to prevent drought, improve biodiversity and create more sustainable communities. Hopefully, the changes made to this estate (Queen Caroline) will inspire other councils and housing producers (sic) in the UK and Europe to adopt similar measures.

The project is funded by the European Union’s Life+ scheme and delivered by Groundwork London in partnership  with the London Borough of Hammersmith and Fulham. 

And it’s not a bad wheeze. Actually, unknowingly, I have seen it around the bases of newly planted trees in the borough, but never on such a, relatively, large scale. However, if it’s being paid for by the EU, it’s barmy. It’s one subsidy that the UK can live without in the difficult years ahead. The EU can keep their Schotterrasen, we will keep our salmon, I’m not codding.