Local authorities are under pressure from central government to provide sufficient space for housing to meet the country’s growing demand, while at the same time there is increasing awareness of the need for green spaces within densely populated areas.
Natural England’s Accessible Natural Greenspace (ANGSt) standards recommend that no person should live more than 300 metres (5 minutes walk) from an area of green space which is at least two hectares in size.
Under Planning Policy Statement 12, local authorities have a responsibility to provide a network of green spaces in order to promote sustainability. These spaces support natural and ecological processes and are integral to the health and quality of life of a community.
‘Green infrastructure’ is much more than simply parks and gardens - from cemeteries to allotments, cycling routes to hedges, canal paths to grass verges, each has a part to play in supporting biodiversity and sustainable living.
The benefits of green infrastructure are considerable. In addition to providing a place for relaxation, education, exercise and cultivation, the spaces are vital habitats for wildlife and contribute to flood attenuation, the management of water resources and provide a cooling effect. These benefits will become more important as urban areas are affected by hotter summers and more flash floods as a result of climate change.
The introduction of even comparatively small measures can have a considerable impact on the surrounding environment and on the quality of life for communities.
Research from Manchester University, for example, shows that reducing the green spaces in Manchester could lead to an increase in temperatures of more than eight degrees by the 2080s, but an increase of just ten per cent will keep the temperature steady - and may even reduce it.
The success of a green infrastructure strategy is dependent upon collaboration with community and involving all stakeholders to ensure that underlying issues are fully identified and effectively addressed in developing and implementing plans.
ADAS can assist local authorities in developing green infrastructure plans that deliver tangible benefits to wildlife and people. By linking a range of research and technical disciplines including GIS and modelling techniques, the consultancy can deliver an integrated approach and practical solutions to complex problems.
ADAS has worked with local authorities across the UK to provide a wide range of related services including:
• Field surveys;
• Desk research and synthesis of disparate sources of information;
• Data collation, mapping, modelling, analysis and presentation;
• Stakeholder consultation;
• Strategic planning;
• Integrated Land management plans and guidance to land owners;
• Project development – from concept through to implementation.
• Ecological and habitat management plans
• Flood risk assessments and SUDS
Keith Rowe, principal consultant at ADAS, comments: “Green infrastructure is an absolute necessity within the built environment but an effective strategy needs careful planning. Linking our expertise in ecology and biodiversity with a range of other specialisms we are able to provide solutions to local authorities to resolve the complex issues in developing a strategy.”
For more information contact: Rosemary James by e-mail Rosemary.James@adas.co.uk or telephone 01427 667 585.