Whether it’s the growing popularity of forest-bathing or the cooling effect of trees in urban environments, the idea that humans benefit from contact with nature, known as biophilia, is more and more commonly accepted. But not many people realise that green spaces can now be found in one of the busiest and perhaps most unnatural cityscapes of all – the London Underground.
The subterranean transport network that has helped Londoners get around since 1863 now boasts a number of so-called “Tiny Parks”. The living installations are an idea born in 2016 and are designed to bring a sense of well-being to the lives of underground users and the staff who work there, helping to reduce pollution and improve mood. The small plantations are indeed so tiny that many regular commuters have never even noticed them, according to responses to posts about the parks on social media channels
Succulents, orchids and ferns
Created inside former ticket offices inside the underground stations, the Tiny Parks use glass boxes and mirrors to give an illusion of jungle-like grandeur but are planted with just a handful of species. Growing lamps are deployed to provide enough light but plants that can survive in low light conditions are preferred, including succulents, phalaenopsis orchids, ferns, and begonia maculata.
Although each Tiny Park has its own Tiny Park Ranger (actually a full-size human) to care for it, some of the gardens have become almost self-sustaining and so need minimal human intervention, according to a BBC interview with Mak Gilchrist, one of the people behind Edible Bus Stop, who initiated the project. Still, at certain times of year, or sometimes just for fun, decorative touches such as Christmas baubles, butterflies or model dinosaurs can be found among the greenery.
“Lovely and calming” or a “sad memorial”?
Social media reactions responding to Tiktok user georgeinlondon who filmed himself visiting the Tiny Parks, ranged from enchantment to typical British sarcasm.
“Well, this is lovely and calming,” said one, while another called it “Wholesome”. A third remarked: “Yea, these are cute but I know ticket staff who were made redundant and this kind of feels like a sad memorial to them.”
For anyone wanting to make up their own mind about the merits of the Tiny Parks, the clue is in the name, since they can be found in stations whose names are associated with green spaces:
- Belsize Park on the Northern Line in Camden;
- Kilburn Park on the Bakerloo Line in Brent;
- St James’ Park on the District and Circle Lines in Westminster;
- Wood Green on the Picadilly Line in Haringey.
