The Landscape Institute has published a new guide for communities wanting to increase and improve the green spaces in their local area. Local Green Infrastructure: Helping Communities make the most of their Landscape was published on 11 October. To download the document, click here (PDF 12MB).
Speaking about the publication, Jo Watkins, President of the Landscape Institute said: “We want to inspire everyone to make changes in their neighbourhoods by thinking about what’s offered by the natural environment. As our case studies show, natural green open space attracts businesses to invest in an area, adds value to property, provides an educational resource and brings together local communities. Harnessing nature and making better use of our limited supply of land can therefore promote sustainable economic development and open up new employment opportunities.” For more information, see the Landscape Institute’s website.
The publication is the first manifestation of the Green Infrastructure Partnership, launched by the Government in October 2011 to generate more green space in England’s towns and cities. With free space in urban areas in short supply, the Green Infrastructure Partnership has been designed to help communities make more innovative use of existing grey infrastructure – such as creating rooftop gardens, small community gardens or living walls.
As those who have already successfully created green areas are best placed to help others, the new Green Infrastructure Partnership will be made up of planning professionals, landscape architects and environmental interest groups alongside organisations such as Natural England, the Landscape Institute and the Environment Agency. It will bring people together from across the country to address the issues they face. It will also produce useful materials to help those who are looking to create a green area in their local community. The Partnership will initially run for up to two years. For more details, see DEFRA’s website.
Photo by Trees for Cities
