Hounslow, London, has launched the Right to Grow initiative, allowing residents to grow food and flowers on 'unloved' public land. The initiative is designed to encourage communities to reclaim unmanaged land that is currently going to waste. The policy requires permission to ensure the land is suitable, is not contaminated or dangerous, and it must also be unused wasteland, not parks or other council-maintained flowerbeds. Hounslow's cabinet member for culture, leisure and public spaces, Salman Shaheen, said the policy "cuts red tape" and allows for local people to learn about and care for the environment.