How drier summers could change London's parks

London may have to change what it plants and how it looks after its green spaces as hotter and drier summers put increasing pressure on water supplies.

Thames Water, which supplies most of the capital, said water levels had not yet recovered from this year's record-breaking hot summer, with sustained rainfall needed before it could consider lifting hosepipe restrictions.

The conditions are prompting some of London's green spaces, including Kew Gardens and the Royal Parks, to rethink how they plan for the future.

Some trees could see their lifespans shortened by prolonged heat, while more drought-resistant plants could become a common sight across the capital.

July was the driest month on record in southern England, with Kew Gardens recording no measurable rainfall.

At Kew, work is under way to rethink planting and watering, including choosing species that require less water and using captured water for irrigation.

Among these drought-resilient plants is agave montana, a succulent from the mountains of Mexico which needs little watering and belongs to the same plant family as the crop used to make tequila.

"In the midst of a hosepipe ban, this is quite a good selection to make," said Thomas Freeth, head of collection management at Kew Gardens.

While hosepipes and sprinklers are restricted in parks and public gardens, Kew is exempt in order to protect its National Plant Collections.

Freeth said: "We just have to think more carefully about where the water comes from.

"We have installed a glorified water butt recently as a low-tech solution and that saw three of our most water-intensive glasshouses right through to the end of July."

The Royal Parks is also preparing for hotter, drier conditions, which could significantly shorten the lifespan of some of London's established trees.

Darren Share, director of parks at The Royal Parks, said: "Where we'd expect there to be another 150 odd years' left growth in them, they might only have between 50 and 70 years now, so it's half.

"It's something we need to continue to keep an eye on."

A recent report from the Greater London Authority found that, if nothing changes, over 72% of London's current public realm tree population will struggle under future climate conditions.

Trees can help make London more resilient to heat, providing the city with shade and protection from more extreme weather.

Thames Water said it would continue monitoring rainfall and water levels, with hosepipe restrictions kept under review.

A spokesperson said: "Changing weather patterns, a growing population and the need to reduce environmental impacts are all putting pressure on water resources.

"The South East is one of the UK's driest regions, classified by the Environment Agency as 'seriously water stressed'. If we do nothing, we face a shortfall of one billion litres a day by 2050."

The company said two-thirds of people it recently polled were worried about a consistent water supply, while fewer than a third believed supplies would always be plentiful.

It said new water sources, including the White Horse Reservoir and Teddington drought-resilience scheme, would be needed alongside efforts to cut leaks and water use.

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