England: London and Coventry

Germany initiated a major bombing campaign against London in 1940. These raids resulted in the destruction of buildings by concussion and incendiary bombs. Bombing of urban areas continued throughout the war. Toward the end of the war V-1, flying bombs and V-2 rockets were used. In addition to extensive damage to structures, infrastructure, and military facilities, the aerial bombing caused the destruction of trees along streets and in parks. In 1943, the Abercrombe Plan for the reconstruction of London after the war was developed. The plan envisioned an increase in green space and tree canopy cover in London. It was not adopted in its entirety following the war due to opposition by property owners. They objected to the loss of property to accommodate streets widening and tree planting. Plans for the reconstruction of Coventry were developed in 1950 by Gibson. His plan proposed a major shopping center and the reconstruction of housing but involved only a limited amount of tree planting. Reconstruction of the urban forests in England was impeded by the conversion of tree nurseries to vegetable gardens during the war and the slow return of tree planting stock production after the war.