The Council has launched an ambitious year long Plants for Pollinators project across all libraries, highlighting the vital role of pollinators and empowering residents to take action to support them.
Councillor Gillian Ford, Deputy Leader of the Council and Cabinet Member for Adults and Wellbeing, Councillor Barry Mugglestone, Cabinet Member for Environment, Councillor Oscar Ford, Cabinet Member for Children and Young People, and Councillor Stephanie Nunn, Ward Member for Elm Park, visited Elm Park Library to launch the project on World Rewilding Day (Friday 20 March 2026).
The project, funded by the Council’s Carbon Offset Fund, comes at a crucial time with research from the Natural History Museum showing that the UK’s flying insects have declined by 60 percent in the last 20 years.
This concerning trend underlines the need for communities to protect and restore habitats for bees, butterflies, beetles and other essential pollinators.
Throughout 2026, Havering Libraries will offer a wide range of activities, events, and learning opportunities designed to raise awareness of pollinators and inspire sustainable gardening practices.
What the programme will include
- Plants for Pollinators book collections in every library, featuring engaging fiction and non‑fiction for all ages.
- The revival of 'Havering Reads' for the National Year of Reading, with two selected children’s books focusing on pollinators and rewilding. Copies will be gifted to all primary schools in the borough.
- Live online author events for schools with children’s writers Dinah Mason Eagers and Kathy Urban.
- Art and poetry competitions, story times, and craft workshops linked to the theme of nature and biodiversity.
- Talks promoting organic gardening, rewilding, and environmentally friendly planting.
A major part of the project will see Elm Park Library Garden being transformed into a vibrant pollinator‑friendly space, featuring examples of suitable plants, bug boxes, a water source, seating, and a dedicated area to showcase pollinator boxes created by local schools.
Inside all libraries will be Pledge Walls, inviting residents to commit to rewilding a section of their garden or creating new habitats for pollinators.
The project directly supports the Green Libraries Manifesto and aligns with the Council’s Climate Change Action Plan by supporting residents to reduce carbon use through organic gardening and reducing reliance on lawnmowers.
There will be opportunities for communities to connect with local environmental groups through Great Big Green Week and Green Libraries Week and support the Council’s flagship Where We Live campaign which aims to keep Havering cleaner and greener through sustainability, biodiversity and waste reduction.
Councillor Gillian Ford, Deputy Leader of the Council and Cabinet Member for Adults and Wellbeing, said:
“The Plants for Pollinators project is an encouraging and supportive way we can all work together towards a greener and more connected borough.
“It makes climate topics accessible and enjoyable, as Havering’s libraries act as a hub for learning, creativity, and environmental action.
“I hope residents of all ages get involved to broaden our knowledge on biodiversity and foster wellbeing, outdoor activity, and stronger community networks, all through the power of our libraries.”