Finding Space to Grow Urban Hedges as a Natural Air Filter Along Pedestrian Paths: A GIS Based Investigation of Cardiff City Centre, Wales

Urban Hedges are a natural filter of dust and pollutants. Recent studies have shown that hedges can help improve air quality in urban areas because they provide a shield at the exhaust pipe level for pedestrians and households. GIS analysis carried out in this study shows that footpaths along certain major roads in Cardiff city centre has ample space to grow hedges. Traffic emissions linked with these roads are naturally high, suggesting the need for more vegetation. It is emphasised that the available space can be utilised to grow urban hedges in order to improve the air quality in Cardiff city centre.