A Plan B For Parks And Planet?
We’re working in eight locations across England and Scotland looking at ways to put green spaces and nature at the heart of decision making, looking at sustainable ways for communities to protect their urban green spaces and enhance the benefits they provide. To mark COP26 we have done a round-up of some of the strategic work these councils are doing that also responds to the challenges of climate change.
Birmingham has produced an Environmental Justice Map that provides evidence for directing resources and investment into places where it is needed. The map indicates areas in need based on places most affected by air pollution, risk of flooding and rising temperatures (or urban heat island) in addition to the usual deprivation data.
Nottingham and Birmingham are developing urban tree strategy masterplans which can help tackle urban heat islands and air pollution.
(c) Birmingham City Council
Edinburgh are using their new Edinburgh Nature Network plan to direct the Million Tree City planting programme as well as other nature-based solutions to tackle climate change. The Edinburgh Nature Network identifies hotspots where demand is highest for these solutions.
Edinburgh are also addressing the impact of fossil fuel-based energy demand through mapping opportunities for local heating and energy solutions (ground source heat pumps, hydro-schemes) in green and blue spaces.
Bournemouth, Christchurch, and Poole have developed a 'green net', a grid which will join-up greenspaces across the conurbation and includes plans to repurpose and rewild urban green spaces.
Cambridgeshire and Peterborough are planning to support and stimulate community-led nature restoration, through new ways of supporting grassroots groups and new public-charitable partnerships.
A major theme in the ambition of CoP26 to keeping global heating down to 1.5deg C is the need for financial investment. Plymouth are investigating opportunities to bring a blend of new investment vehicles into the city to fund urban nature-based solutions within and around the city.
These ambitions demonstrate the strategic thinking, planning and investment on a city-wide scale where green and blue infrastructure can play a full role in delivering local solutions to global issues.
Written by Tamsin Mosse, Futura Parks Writer & Content Producer and Richard Vink, Future Parks Account Manager.