Havering Council has officially launched ‘Plants for Pollinators’, an ambitious year-long project transforming local libraries into hubs for environmental action. The initiative aims to tackle the alarming decline of the UK’s insect population by educating residents and providing practical tools to support biodiversity.

The project was inaugurated on Friday, 20 March—World Rewilding Day—at Elm Park Library. The launch was attended by key council figures, including Deputy Leader Councillor Gillian Ford and Cabinet Members Barry Mugglestone and Oscar Ford, signalling a cross-departmental commitment to the borough’s green future.

A Vital Commitment to Local Wildlife

The initiative arrives in response to sobering data from the Natural History Museum, which reveals that the UK’s flying insect population has plummeted by 60% over the last two decades.

By focusing on bees, butterflies, and beetles, Havering Council hopes to turn the tide locally. The project is funded by the Council’s Carbon Offset Fund and aligns with the broader Climate Change Action Plan, encouraging residents to swap traditional lawn maintenance for organic, pollinator-friendly gardening and reduced reliance on lawnmowers.

What’s Happening at Your Local Library?

Throughout 2026, residents can expect a packed calendar of events across all Havering libraries, including:

• The Return of ‘Havering Reads’: To celebrate the National Year of Reading, two children’s books focused on rewilding have been selected for the borough. Every primary school in Havering will receive gifted copies.

• Expert Insight: Schools will participate in live online sessions with authors Dinah Mason Eagers and Kathy Urban.

• Creative Competitions: Libraries will host art and poetry contests, story times, and nature-themed craft workshops.

• Community Pledges: Every library will feature a ‘Pledge Wall’, where visitors can commit to rewilding a section of their own garden or balcony.

Leading by Example: The Elm Park Transformation

As a flagship element of the project, the Elm Park Library Garden is undergoing a complete transformation. Once finished, the space will serve as a living blueprint for sustainable gardening, featuring pollinator-friendly flora, bug boxes, and water sources. It will also display pollinator boxes designed and built by local students.

A Greener, More Connected Borough

Beyond the environmental impact, officials are highlighting the social benefits of the scheme.

“The Plants for Pollinators project is an encouraging and supportive way we can all work together towards a greener and more connected borough,” said Councillor Gillian Ford, Cabinet Member for Adults and Wellbeing. “I hope residents of all ages get involved to broaden our knowledge on biodiversity and foster wellbeing and stronger community networks – all through the power of our libraries.”

The project also integrates with the Council’s ‘Where We Live’ campaign, which promotes waste reduction and biodiversity to keep the borough clean and sustainable.

Residents interested in joining the movement or attending a talk on organic gardening can find a full schedule of activities at libraries.havering.gov.uk/events.