Help us improve Lewisham’s air
Air quality in Lewisham has improved in recent years, with pollution levels falling in many parts of the borough. But air pollution remains a serious health concern, particularly for children, older people and people with existing heart or lung conditions.
Across the UK, air pollution is the largest environmental threat to our health, with long-term exposure contributing to an estimated 29,000 to 43,000 deaths each year. In Lewisham, nearly 18,000 residents aged six and over were living with asthma (2021/22), highlighting the importance of continuing to improve air quality to protect the health of our community.
That’s why we’re continuing to take action locally, while helping residents make simple changes that can protect their health and the health of people around them.
Clean Air Night is a UK-wide awareness campaign led by Global Action Plan and will take place next Tuesday 17 November 2026.
Say no to wood burning this winter
Did you know wood burning is the most polluting way to heat your home?
It releases harmful fine-particle pollution (PM2.5), which can enter the bloodstream and increase the risk of heart and lung disease. Even newer “Ecodesign” wood burners can make pollution levels inside homes three times higher than in homes without them.
The pollution doesn’t stay inside your home either. It spreads into your neighbourhood, affecting the air your neighbours and wider community breathe.
If people across the UK only burned wood when no other heat source was available, more than 1,500 deaths could be avoided each year and the NHS could save over £54 million.
If you have another way to heat your home this winter, choosing not to burn wood is a simple way to protect your health and help keep Lewisham’s air cleaner. Cosiness shouldn’t cost our health.
Don’t forget about the air inside your home
We often think of air pollution as an outdoor problem, but the air inside our homes and buildings matters too.
Things like wood burners, open fires, candles, incense, cigarette smoke and some household products can all contribute to indoor air pollution.
As part of our Air Quality Action Plan, we’re working with schools, nurseries and care homes across Lewisham to monitor indoor air quality and explore practical ways to improve it.
Simple ways to help keep our air cleaner
Small changes can make a difference:
- walk, cycle, wheel or scoot for shorter journeys where you can
- switch off your engine when parked and avoid unnecessary idling
- use public transport instead of driving when possible
- drive smoothly and keep your vehicle well maintained to reduce fuel use and pollution
- avoid burning wood or coal if you have another way to heat your home
- save energy at home by stopping draughts, using LED bulbs and switching off appliances when they’re not needed
- keep gas appliances and heaters serviced so they work safely and efficiently
What we're doing in Lewisham
We’re taking action across the borough to reduce pollution, improve monitoring and help more people understand the air they breathe, guided by our Air Quality Action Plan.
Cleaner, safer journeys to school: Lewisham now has 55 School Streets which aim to reduce traffic and congestion near schools. So far, these restrictions are covering 56.7% of schools, compared with a London average of 26%, with nine more planned.
Improving indoor air: We’re working with schools, nurseries and care homes to monitor indoor air quality and find ways to reduce pollution.
Better air-quality monitoring: Lewisham has secured £248,020 from DEFRA for a four-year project