Spring is gorgeous isn’t it? Suddenly trees have leaves and front garden roses bloom.
Islington looks beautiful whether you are walking to the tube or staring at the newly arrived swifts. Learn more about these birds during Swift Week between June 28 -July 6.
Spring is also the time to shed our winter lethargy.
If we take the advice in the tale of The Ant and the Grasshopper, which teaches that planning is essential for survival, then even when it’s picnic weather we need to act – especially as even MI5 is getting spooked about the ruinous impacts of rising temperatures and nature loss on the UK which may lead to water and food shortages, see Global Biodiversity Loss, Ecosystem Collapse and National Security, we need to act now.
So it’s good news that climate resilience is happening across the borough.
Last week (May 14) Voluntary Action Islington created a Community Emergency Plan to help protect residents from extreme heat and power outrages.
While in April, Islington Climate Centre reopened at Pride Court, White Lion Street.
After their community resilience fundraiser reached more than £14,000, jubilant co-founder Anna Hyde said: “We’re open for co-working on Tuesdays, running workshops, screening the National Emergency Briefing film on June 7 at the Union Chapel and cooking up plans for London Climate Week from June 20-28."
2026 looks set to see new interest in nature-based solutions to tackle our heating planet, like planting trees which can reduce flooding and shade streets.
You can see a new Tiny Forest with 400 trees planted in a patch the size of a tennis court in nearby Clissold Park.
Islington’s lucky to have Regent’s Canal as the Canal & River Trust claim a canal can reduce urban temperatures by up to 1.6C and plays “a vital role in the fight against climate change”, especially those who live a 10-minute walk from it.
On a more technical front, one time Highbury Fields School chair of governors, Dr Anna Burrage, has just become the CEO of Power Up North London (PUNL) which helped Caxton House Community Centre transform its energy use by switching to renewable power.
Meanwhile Client Earth, based in Drayton Park, uses the power of the law to fight climate and nature crises. Currently working on 168 cases they opened their doors on April 28 as part of a fundraising drive.
And since May 7, Islington has 19 local Green councillors. It’s not that long ago there was just one, Caroline Russell.
So, this spring let’s delight in the way we’re making Islington climate-change ready.
- Nicola Baird is a blogger and author, read more at islingtonfacesblog.com Her latest book on litter picking and water quality is ‘Not That Deep’.
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