South Western Railway (SWR) has installed the wall in an effort to combat air pollution and increase biodiversity, while also helping to improve personal wellbeing.

The Living Wall has been installed next to the station entrance. It is adorned with a self-sufficient vertical garden that was produced by green firm Biotecture.

Passengers travelling to and from Portsmouth Harbour by train cannot fail to notice the green addition to the station.

Studies show that poor air quality is linked to over 5.5 million premature deaths, and Living Walls have been proven to effectively reduce harmful nitrogen oxides. At the same time, they also give a boost to biodiversity by providing accessible habitats for insects and other wildlife.

SWR’s Head of Sustainability, Amy Dickinson, said:

“At SWR, our mission is more than simply getting people from A to B. We’re passionate about helping to support the communities we serve, including by making them greener and more sustainable. By improving air quality and providing a safe home for all sorts of wildlife, this brilliant new Living Wall does just this”.

Richard Sabin, Managing Director of Biotecture, said:

“Living walls are a brilliant way to reconnect people with nature and deliver environmental benefits. It’s great to be working with a client like South Western Railway and we are looking forward to bringing many more living walls to train stations across the region for people to enjoy”.

Cllr Kimberly Barrett, Cabinet Member for Climate Change and the Green Recovery at Portsmouth City Council said:

“It is great to see our partners in the city acting on our declaration of a Climate Emergency in 2019, and looking at all the ways they can support us in moving towards Net Zero as a city, as well as helping us to make the city greener. The Living Wall is a great addition to the area and I’m really looking forward to seeing the impact it has on the local environment.”