UK’s First ‘Air Pollution Garden’ Opens in Sheffield

The UK has seen the opening of its first ever ‘air pollution garden’, after a joint project from the universities of York, Leeds and Sheffield led to the environmental green space being planted in Sheffield itself.

The garden uses revolutionary technology to monitor ozone levels through its effect on plants in the plot. It’s being marketed as not only a way to keep tabs on harmful levels of pollutants in the immediate vicinity, but also to educate the public about these topical issues and simultaneously grow some edible crops.

A multi-purpose patch

The plot of land measures around 6 x 8 metres (roughly 20 x 26 feet) and is the latest addition to the Sheffield Botanical Gardens. It contains clover, lettuce, snap beans and wheat, with plans for milkweed and coneflower to be added in the near future.

So what makes this vegetable patch different? The species have been specifically chosen due to their sensitivity to pollution, and as the levels of ozone in their immediate vicinity increase, the leaves will visibly discolour. As a result, the plants can act as a barometer for the levels of ozone contamination in the city, which currently endures a reputation as one of the dirtiest in the UK. The Gardens are perfectly placed for such a study, since they are smack bang in the middle of two of the city’s busiest zones: Brocco Bank and Ecclesall Road.

“Air pollution is invisible, but the plants and pigments will show up its effects,” explained Dr Maria Val Martin, one of the lead scientists behind the experiment.

As well as the plants themselves, the plot will also contain an information board offering visitors the chance to learn more about how plants absorb pollutants in our atmosphere – and the damaging effects this pollution can have on humans, as well.

Innovative solutions the key

With the deteriorating state of UK air pollution a hot topic right now, scientists and researchers are constantly looking for ways to monitor and counteract the harmful amounts of contaminants in our air. Since flexibility is the key to solving air pollution abatement challenges, innovative ideas like this one are great ways to keep tabs on ozone levels in a natural and communally beneficial way.

Sheffield has endured a particularly torrid time in terms of air quality levels, largely due to its heritage as the epicentre of the steel industry in England for many years. Indeed, from the beginning of the 19^th century all the way up until the 1950s, very little was done to help safeguard the environment in which the city’s inhabitants spend their daily lives.

Over the past few decades, however, the city council has poured more time and resources into improving air quality and reducing transport-related pollution. The garden is the latest in a series of attempts to mitigate the problem, which arises particularly from the combustion of petrol, gas, diesel, coal and wood.