As the world continues to urbanise, future generations may encounter wildlife not on the ground but on the walls and roofs. Green walls are ‘on the up’ - a trend being led in London by The Rubens at the Palace Hotel.

The Rubens at the Palace features a 350 sq-mt Living Wall comprising 10,000 herbaceous plants. The Living Wall has been designed to provide waves of blossoming plants throughout the year. It provides a wildlife habitat for birds and butterflies. It helps keep the hotel cooler in summer and warm in winter, so is very environmentally friendly.  Last but not least it improves the air quality and aesthetics in this part of London.

The plant list includes a wide variety of native species and those deemed by the Royal Horticultural Society as attracting insect pollinators – drawing bees, butterflies and birds, which are crucial in light of the decline in the bee population. Buttercups, two varieties of crocus and strawberries will particularly attract butterflies and bees. From spring bulbs to winter geraniums, the plants have been selected with seasonal colour in mind, ranging from blues to pinks, purples, whites and yellows.

The wall was designed by Gary Grant of the Green Roof Consultancy Ltd. It was installed and is maintained by TreeBox Ltd.

Details:  www.rubenshotel.com

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Published: 19 June 2015

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The London Helicopter Company, based at Battersea Heliport alongside the Thames is offering a selection of helicopter trips for up to six people around central London.

The shortest journey on the menu is a mere twelve minutes long but in that time travellers will get to experience a panoramic view of central London with the following landmarks seen from a totally unique perspective including: the Houses of Parliament, Westminster Abbey, Buckingham Palace, London Eye, British Museum and then out east to St Pauls Cathedral, the Gherkin and the Financial District and The Shard as well as Stamford Bridge, the Oval Cricket Ground, Royal Albert Hall and Hyde Park.

Details: www.thelondonhelicopter.com

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Published: 03 June 2015

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From 'onesies' to wear in the air raid shelter to jewellery created from aeroplane parts the new ‘Fashion on the Ration’ exhibition at the Imperial War Museum in London looks at how fashion survived and even flourished under the strict rules of rationing in 1940s Britain often in new and unexpected ways.

The exhibition explores how men and women found new ways to dress as the rationing of clothes took hold. Displays of original clothes from the era, from military uniforms to functional fashion, reveal what life was really like on the home front in wartime Britain. It is a story about creativity, innovation and coping in adversity, the impact of which can still be seen upon British style today.

Viewings and meetings can be combined at the Imperial War Museum; a Grade-II listed building in central London with a range of meeting and event spaces. These include the Atrium accommodating up to 340 guests for a reception, the Cinema to seat 200 people and the Roof Terrace seating 180 for a dinner plus a range of smaller boardrooms and breakout rooms.

Fashion on the Ration runs until the end of August 2015.

The Imperial War Museum is located in central London within walking distance of the South Bank - ten minutes from Lambeth North tube station and fifteen minutes from Waterloo.

Details: www.iwm.org.uk

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Published: 19 June 2015

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The Connaught Hotel in London is offering complimentary daily 20 minute mindfulness meditation classes in its Aman Spa. The classes run over lunchtime and are designed to raise awareness of the benefits of meditation for coping with stress and anxiety in the workplace.

Mindfulness meditation is an adaption of Buddhist meditation which encourages one to focus on the moment rather than being consumed by the pain of the past or anxiety over the future. Aman therapists have been practicing daily meditation since the launch of the Aman Spa in 2009. However, this will be the first time the therapists have opened their doors and welcomed guests to participate in their daily habitual.

Guests will be welcomed in the lobby at the Connaught Hotel by an Aman representative and ushered to the spa - into a cool and dim-light treatment room where they will be asked to remove their shoes and turn off any technological equipment.

The Aman Spa Manager Rene Van Eyssen explains “Meditation encourages you to observe your emotions, which improves awareness of the present moment, bringing clarity and peace. The result is a total renewal of mind and spirit.”

The Aman Spa Meditation Classes are available weekdays at 1:00PM and last 20 minutes. Classes are complimentary and must be booked in advance. Contact the Aman Spa at the Connaught Hotel for details +44 (0)20 3147 7305

Details:   www.the-connaught.co.uk

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Published: 03 June 2015

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