Author: Muriel Schmidt

In fact, it’s not native to anywhere, because it’s a hybrid of two trees – the American Sycamore, and the Oriental Planetree – from opposite sides of the globe. Its name reflects the fact that it was widely planted in London during the industrial revolution because of its high tolerance for air pollution. Where is […]

It is often assumed that air pollution in London is a recent phenomenon, however, legislation attempting to control air pollution was enacted as early as 1306. Coal smoke and its associated problems remained a matter of concern in London up until the late 20th century with the famous smogs of the 1950s and 60s. How […]

The easiest way to identify a London plane tree is to look at the bark and leaf shape. The planetree has a distinctive mottled bark with a gray, white, yellow, and brown camouflage-style pattern. Large maple-like leaves with pointed margins are the other identifying feature of a London plane tree. How do you identify a […]

The Plane is a hardwood, and the timber needs to be handled accordingly. It is dense and heavy, pinkish in colour when first sawn, fading to a light brown. It is a very ‘busy’ timber to look at, with large rays when flat sawn (much like Oak), and heavily flecked on the quarter (giving a […]

It’s something that happens from time to time and is a result of strong winds in the Sahara whipping up dust and sand particles high into the sky and if the air in the upper part of the atmosphere is blowing northwards, it can travel as far north as the UK. Why is there sand […]

In July, London is moderately humid with an average amount of 71% (relative humidity), which could be described as humid but cool. December has the highest relative humidity at 97% and is the least humid in July at 71%. Is London too hot in July? Summer in London is relatively warm but there can be […]

London Air Pollution: Real-time Air Quality Index (AQI) Current Min PM2.5 AQI 74 46 PM10 AQI 29 13 O3 AQI 1 0 NO2 AQI 27 12 What is the pollution level in London today? Today : Mostly Low levels of air pollution are expected. However, with light winds for most areas, locally higher pockets of […]

‘It was a popular term among visitors from rural areas,’ says Alex Werner, head of history collections at the Museum of London. ‘As they approached London they saw a thick smoke enveloping the city, which was largely caused by the burning of coal. Why do people call London Big smoke? Cobbett saw the rapidly growing […]