How Extinction Rebellion Built London’s Real Garden Bridge
A grassroots climate protest transformed Waterloo Bridge into London’s most vibrant public garden and urban oasis.
In April 2019, Extinction Rebellion (XR), a grassroots climate movement, transformed London’s Waterloo Bridge into an unexpected, thriving public garden. Unlike the ill-fated £200 million official Garden Bridge project that never materialized, XR’s effort was spontaneous, community-driven, and highlighted the immense potential of urban green spaces when citizens reclaim public infrastructure for environmental and social good.
Background: The Official Garden Bridge Project
- The Garden Bridge was a proposed pedestrian-only bridge spanning the Thames, designed by Thomas Heatherwick and championed by Joanna Lumley and Mayor Boris Johnson.
- Intended to feature lush plantings, the project stalled after spending over £53 million of taxpayer funds, with estimated final costs exceeding £200 million. The bridge was never built and faced criticism over funding, planning, and environmental concerns.
- In contrast, the public’s desire for more green space persisted, laying fertile ground for alternative, community-led initiatives.
The Waterloo Garden Bridge: A Community’s Vision Realized
During XR’s International Rebellion in April 2019, Waterloo Bridge was closed to vehicular traffic, allowing activists to reclaim it as a pedestrian and ecological sanctuary. Over the course of a week:
- 47 handpicked trees—including crab apple, hazel, cherry, dogwood, and Austrian pine—were hauled onto the bridge, chosen for their ability to capture CO2, improve air quality, and their historical resonance with protest movements.
- Hundreds of additional plants were donated, gradually transforming the bridge into a lush, urban oasis. Rebels of all ages contributed, bringing flowers, compost, and tools, blurring the line between protest and park-making.
- XR encouraged creative expression: chalk drawings, music, dancing, free community meals, and workshops unfolded, making the bridge a hub of celebration and activism.
The Importance of Urban Green Space
Londoners witnessed firsthand how removing vehicles and introducing greenery dramatically improved the quality and atmosphere of public spaces. Social media lit up with images and testimonials:
- Londoners described the space as “friendly, vibrant and verdant,” with a sense of community and wellbeing thriving amidst the trees.
- Many expressed a desire for permanent vehicle-free, green spaces, noting how much more livable and joyful the city felt.
- The event catalyzed a petition to keep Waterloo Garden Bridge permanently, garnering thousands of signatures from supportive residents.
The 47 Trees: Symbolism and Legacy
The decision to place 47 trees on Waterloo Bridge echoed a historic protest: over a century before, suffragettes planted a commemorative arboretum near Bath with 47 trees to honor prisoners from the suffrage movement who had engaged in hunger strikes. These species were selected for their role in air purification and carbon sequestration, but also as living emblems of nonviolent resistance.
After the XR action, the trees did not go to waste. They were distributed to community gardens, schools, and memorial spaces across London, continuing the cycle of rewilding and urban greening:
- Two crab apple trees now grow in the Grenfell Commemorative Community Garden, symbolizing resilience and remembrance.
- Other trees found homes in XR Hackney Community Garden, Hoopla Pocket Park, and additional community projects.
- An XR Guerilla Gardening group continues expanding this ethos, offering more trees and plants to local groups for rewilding efforts.
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A Week of Transformation: Activities on the Bridge
XR activists curated a diverse range of activities throughout the week:
- Pop-up structures, such as gazebos and a skate ramp adorned with trees.
- Workshops, music performances, and wellness sessions for all attendees.
- Community kitchens providing free meals, fostering inclusion and solidarity.
- Chalk art and public dialogue, reinforcing the sense of playful resistance and collective creativity.
Comparing Waterloo Garden Bridge to the Official Project
| Aspect | Official Garden Bridge | Waterloo XR Garden Bridge |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | >£200 million projected; £53 million spent with no result | Negligible; community-donated plants and materials |
| Planning | Years of bureaucratic delays, failed fundraising | Organized within weeks; grassroots mobilization |
| Design | Professional designers and engineers | Community, crowdsourced creativity |
| Environmental Impact | Potential loss of 28 mature trees | Planting over 47 new trees; improving air quality |
| Outcome | Never built; only a costly proposal | Tangible green space enjoyed by thousands |
| Legacy | Controversy and wasted resources | Inspiration for future citizen-led projects |
Public Reaction and Media Coverage
Press and social media documented the transformative nature of the XR Garden Bridge. Local coverage contrasted the project’s community spirit with the bureaucracy and mounting costs of the official plan. Tweets and posts reflected widespread enthusiasm for reclaiming urban spaces from traffic and pollution, making London streets livable, playful, and sustainable.
Civic Lessons: Reclaiming Urban Spaces
- The XR Waterloo Garden Bridge highlights how short-term, participatory urban interventions can galvanize public opinion and foster grassroots environmental action.
- Such transformations encourage local governments to consider permanent, sustainable green infrastructure, shaped by residents’ needs and desires.
- The project serves as a blueprint for cities aiming to create low-cost, high-impact public spaces.
After the Protest: Long-Term Impact
Following the occupation and greening, all trees and plants were carefully removed and rehomed, amplifying their environmental impact. XR’s success on Waterloo Bridge inspired ongoing activism, with more Londoners participating in citizen gardening and urban greening initiatives. The bridge became a symbol of what is possible when the public is empowered to directly shape their city for the better.
Get Involved: How You Can Help Build a Greener City
- Participate in community gardening: Join local gardens and rewilding projects.
- Support Guerilla Greening: Collaborate with XR’s ongoing efforts to plant trees and enhance urban biodiversity across London.
- Advocate for policy change: Petition your local council for more pedestrianized, green spaces in the city.
- Spread awareness: Share your experiences and ideas on social media, encouraging others to take part.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Why did Extinction Rebellion choose Waterloo Bridge for the protest garden?
A: Waterloo Bridge is a major arterial route in London, symbolic for its strategic connectivity and central location. Closing it to traffic created a powerful statement about reshaping cities for people and nature, not just cars.
Q: What types of trees and plants were used, and why?
A: The selection included crab apple, hazel, cherry, dogwood, and Austrian pine, chosen for their ability to capture CO2, improve air quality, and historical associations with social protest.
Q: Did the Waterloo Garden Bridge become a permanent fixture?
A: No. While the transformation was temporary, its legacy continues—through rehomed trees in community spaces and ongoing demand for pedestrianized green infrastructure.
Q: How can other cities mimic XR’s success?
A: Community-led street closures, temporary urban gardens, and cooperative planning between citizens and local authorities can foster similar results. The XR model emphasizes the power of participation, rapid assembly, and direct action.
Q: What happened to the failed official Garden Bridge project?
A: Despite millions spent, the Garden Bridge was abandoned due to rising costs, planning disputes, and criticism over its limited public utility. Its story is often cited as a cautionary tale in city planning.
Key Takeaways
- Grassroots activism can transform urban landscapes in ways expensive, bureaucratic projects often cannot.
- Temporary installations like the Waterloo Garden Bridge leave lasting impacts on communities and inspire broader change.
- Rehomed trees and continued XR gardening efforts show that urban greening need not end with the protest—it can seed lasting environmental stewardship.
- Public involvement is crucial for creating truly usable, loved, and sustainable green spaces in cities.
References
- https://extinctionrebellion.uk/2019/06/11/trees-garden-bridge/
- https://extinctionrebellion.uk/2020/04/19/photo-story-getting-the-trees-onto-waterloo-bridge/
- https://www.dezeen.com/2019/04/25/waterloo-garden-bridge-extinction-rebellion-christine-murray-opinion/
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Garden_Bridge
- https://www.goodtroublemag.com/home/extinctionrebellion
- https://www.resilience.org/stories/2019-10-29/extinction-rebellion-we-need-to-talk-about-the-future/
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