Exhibition Road Planters

In April 2024, a row of 10 new planters was installed on top of the existing Hostile Vehicle Mitigation (HVM) blocks - bringing a much-needed touch of nature to this otherwise concrete-heavy stretch.

This pilot scheme is part of an urban greening initiative led by South Ken ZEN+, thanks to a successful application to the Royal Borough of Kensington anf Chelsea's Neighbourhood Community Infrastructure Levy (NCIL) back in 2022. It’s a small but significant step in our ongoing mission to make South Kensington greener, more inviting, and more biodiverse.

Biodiversity experts from the South Ken ZEN+ network played a key role in shaping the project, especially when it came to selecting the right plant species. Their input helped ensure that these new green additions are not only beautiful but also ecologically meaningful.

As part of this pilot, signs will be added to the planters to help passersby understand the importance of green stepping stones for nature in our cities. These small green interventions can have a big impact, connecting pockets of biodiversity and making it easier for wildlife to move through urban areas. The planters are being maintained by the council’s contractors, and we’re working on a research project with Imperial College London to better understand how the public interacts with them - particularly when it comes to littering and care.

If you spot any pollinators making themselves at home in the planters, snap a photo and send it to us. Every sighting helps build a better picture of how these new green features are being used by local wildlife.