Have your say on improvements to Barber-Surgeons’ Gardens

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The City of London Corporation is calling on its residents, workers, tourists, and students to voice their opinions about the historic Barber-Surgeons’ Gardens, as they strategize improvements for the site.

Key Points about Barber-Surgeons’ Gardens:

• Located strategically between London Wall and the Barbican lakes, the garden stands as one of the vastest green retreats within the Square Mile under the City of London Corporation’s care.
• This survey marks the beginning of an overarching masterplan for the area. Participation is encouraged online until 27th September.
• Historically significant, the garden hosts parts of the Roman London Wall from AD 200 and remnants of the London Roman Fort. Despite its existence since approximately 1555, the garden we see today was reborn in 1987, transforming a war-ravaged site. Today, it flourishes with a physic garden, showcasing over 45 plant species pivotal in traditional medicine.

Chair of the City Corporation’s Natural Environment Board, Caroline Haines, articulated, “Within the heart of the city’s hustle, Barber-Surgeons’ Gardens offers a serene oasis. We’re eager to understand the perspectives of every visitor, highlighting the significance of green spaces for holistic health and mental peace.”

City of London’s Green Initiatives:

• Overseeing more than 11,000 acres of open expanses across London and southeast England, including notable areas like Epping Forest and Hampstead Heath, the City Corporation annually dedicates over £38m to these spaces.
• With the majority being charitable trusts, these green areas provide critical wildlife habitats, and hold designations as National Nature Reserves, Special Areas of Conservation, and Sites of Special Scientific Interest.
• Serving an environmental cause, they eliminate approximately 16,000 tonnes of carbon annually, covering 44% of the City Corporation’s carbon footprint, and are shielded against infrastructure developments through specific legislation.