Barnet Council installs borough’s first Living Roof Bus in Cricklewood

Barnet Council and Bauer Media Outdoor UK unveiled the borough’s first plant-covered Living Roof bus shelter in Cricklewood Broadway.

The bus stop, born out of the BarNET ZERO Challenge, where residents put forward their best ideas for tackling climate change, can be found in busy Cricklewood Lane.

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

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

Cllr 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 amore 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.”

This installation supports Barnet’s wider ambition to achieve Net Zero carbon emissions by 2042 and to become one of London’s most sustainable boroughs. Plans are under way to install another bus shelter with a Living Roof in the borough in the coming months.

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