New ‘knee rails’ are being installed in Russell Square at present, around three of the flowerbeds. The others will follow when Camden funding allows. This will delinate the beds more visually and physicallyfor pedestrians and dog owners, and hopefully prevent incursions causing damage to the planting.

After the installation of the knee rails is completed new low hedges will be added of a plant variety that is resistant to both moth attack and a dry environment. The plants within the flower beds are selected to survive the even drier conditions that are expected in the future. The selection also considers plants that are attractive to bees, butterflies and other insects that will inhabit the Insect Hotels (situated in the perimeter borders), while at the same time gives a colourful display for the public. A volunteer gardening group cares for the beds and is always pleased to welcome new volunteers – there are notices around the square.

With this increased biodiversity in the flowerbeds the bird population is hoped to increase and nest boxes and dense planting is being added to facilitate this growth in the bird population. Conditions for the bird population can sometimes be harsh and feeding stations and water baths have been added to limit those occasions when the amount of food and water are a problem. There has been some success in this regard with eight goldfinches being seen feeding at the same time, together with robins, wrens, blue tits and blackbirds. The evening bird song can often be a delight.