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the park
Creating sustainable urban
green spaces in areas of
housing growth and renewal
Many people and organisations have © Commission for Architecture & the
contributed to this guide and we are Built Environment 2005. The views
grateful to them all. It has been written expressed are those of the researcher.
and researched by Rob Cowan and Although every care has been taken in
Daniel Hill with input from Kelvin Campbell, preparing this report no responsibility or
David Chapman, Paul Dodd, Diarmaid liability will be accepted by CABE or its
Lawlor, Steve Lorimer and Hugo Nowell employees, agents and advisors for its
of Urban Initiatives. accuracy or completeness.
ISBN: 1-84633-000-9
Start with the Park 1
Sustainable communities are places that people like living in, and
want to stay in, neighbourhoods with real character and sense of
place. These successful places should have well-designed green
spaces that people will want to use and respect. CABE Space has
been contributing to a growing body of evidence that demonstrates
how green spaces can offer lasting economic, social, cultural and
environmental benefits. It links high-quality green spaces with
increased house prices and demonstrates their role in tackling
issues such as anti-social behaviour. This guide provides a clear
route for successful place-making in areas of housing growth and
renewal. By planning networks of green spaces, and thinking about
their design and care, we will not repeat the mistakes of the past.
The inspiring examples are from areas of housing growth and low
demand – examples that have lessons for areas of both sorts.
The guide provides a resource that can be referred to regularly,
and is a gateway to other publications offering more detailed
guidance. Above all, it shows that meeting the demands of
housing growth and renewal is not just about units of housing,
it is about transforming neighbourhoods.
Contents
Appendix .................................................................................... 96
The role of CABE ..................................................................... 108
4 Start with the park
5
Introduction
Successful places – where people are attracted to live, visits a year to urban green spaces.3 And there
work, visit and invest – have successful green spaces. is compelling evidence of the value of urban
Since 2003 CABE Space has been contributing to green spaces for quality of life. The clear
a growing body of evidence that demonstrates how conclusion is that successful green spaces can
green spaces can offer lasting economic, social, cultural have a major positive impact on local communities.
and environmental benefits. This work confirms the
link between high-quality green spaces and increased In 2005 CABE Space published Does money
house prices; their benefits in improving the image of grow on trees?. It reported research that used
an area and attracting investment; their contribution to property prices as an indication of the desirability
biodiversity; their contribution to promoting exercise of an area, and looked at whether improvements
and the benefits to health; and the role of public space to parks and green spaces increased the economic
design and management in tackling social issues such activity in the area. It found that being directly
as risk and anti-social behaviour. adjacent to such parks added a 5 to 7 per cent
premium to house prices, and that most properties
Ninety-one per cent of people say that parks and public within two blocks were priced more highly than
spaces improve people’s quality of life.2 Surveys indicate equivalent properties that were in the same market
that the urban population of England makes 2.5 billion area but further away.
8 Start with the park
CASE STUDY
References
www.minneapolisparks.org
Garvin, A (1995) The American city: what works, what doesn’t
Hopkins, J (2001) Urban space: form, funding and function,
London, LDA
Tate, A (2001) Great city parks, London, Spon Press
10 Start with the park
Green spaces in
areas undergoing
major change
14 Start with the park
Introduction
The challenges
of housing growth
The Barker Review6 points to serious This work prompted the publication
problems within the housing market. of CABE’s The home buyer’s guide,8
Housing demand is increasing relative which also emphasised that the quality
to supply, and much of the new housing, of the outdoor space around a home
including its private and public space, is as important as its location and
is not as good as the consumer should internal design.
expect. This view was supported by
a CABE Housing audit7 of a 100 The government’s sustainable
schemes completed by volume house communities plan accelerates growth in
builders between 2001 and 2003, the four growth areas: Thames Gateway,
which found that 83 of the schemes London–Stansted–Cambridge–
were average or poor. Peterborough corridor, Ashford,
16 Start with the park
Area suffers from poor image Develop innovative and inspiring landscape and public Park Central p26
realm projects to provide a unique selling point
Area lacks green space Create a hierarchy of spaces that achieve all of the Parque de la Solidaridad
design qualities p68
Severed communities Use green spaces to link communities and Parque de la Solidaridad
bridge barriers p68
Creating new places that Make the most of heritage and landscape assets Landschaftspark p40
are distinctive
Large areas of contaminated land Use planting in cleaning and reusing land Holyhead Copse p92
Lack of integration between Develop a regional or sub-regional strategy with South Essex Green Grid
different strategies the role of green space at its heart Strategy p48
Lack of cultural vitality Integrate cultural approaches to urban regeneration Gunpowder Park p80
into green space design and management
Lack of community trust in creating Treat great new parks and gardens as the Greater Ashford
new development green dividend for existing communities Development Framework
p44
Creating diversity and managing Use innovative planning techniques to create Greenwich Peninsula p20
the need to develop diverse, pleasant neighbourhoods
Managing phased development Develop the park as the first stage of development Regent’s Park p76
Creating long-term value Create a hierarchy of spaces that achieve the Minneapolis Park System
design qualities p8
Lack of green space Use green space for training St. Peter’s Ward p28
management skills
Managing uncertainty Make use of green spaces and buildings for Westerpark District p64
in development temporary or interim uses
Dealing with flooding and Integrate flood storage and sustainability principles Quaggy River Catchment
environmental impact into green space design p60
Creating higher-density housing Include a range of private, communal and public spaces Malmö Bo01 p18
18 Start with the park
CASE STUDY
Lessons learnt
References
Lewis, S (2005) Front to back: a design
agenda for urban housing, London, Elsevier
www.ekostaden.com
20 Start with the park
CASE STUDY
Background
First recorded in 918 AD as an area of marshland, Central Park was inspired by its counterpart in New
Greenwich Peninsula became an established industrial York and acts as a formal park spine at the heart
centre as a site for manufacturing, munitions and of development and focus of the new community.
chemicals works. For nearly 100 years, the site acted as In contrast, Southern Park’s design is inspired by
home for one of Europe’s largest gasworks. As a result traditional park design and acts as the ‘village green’
of industrial decline and site contamination, the area for the Greenwich Millennium Village. Ecology Park acts
became predominantly derelict by the mid-1980s. as a counterpoint to both and builds on and recreates
elements of the Peninsula’s historic marshland.
In 1996 British Gas commissioned Richard Rogers
Partnership (RRP) to prepare a masterplan for the Two connected lakes and seven different environments
area, and in 1997, on the sale of the site to English have been tailored to certain sets of wildlife.
Partnerships and through a competition, a consortium
led by RRP was successful in securing the commission Together these city parks create an integrated and
to redesign the area as a new model development for sustainable environment. The layout of the streets and
the millennium celebrations. squares in the Millennium Village provides a series of
green corridors that encourage biodiversity and
Greenwich Peninsula is now an exemplar of landscape connect in with the wider movement system.
design as urban structure for a new community
and urban quarter. Over a sixth of the site has been Outcomes
dedicated to parkland and public open space. Although English Partnerships’ work at Greenwich
Central Park, Ecology Park and Southern Park Peninsula is expected to continue for several years,
provide an interconnected and balanced network the scheme has already delivered over 12 kilometres of
of routes and green spaces within a high-density pedestrian and cycle ways and more than 12,000 trees,
residentially led development. and over 60,000 shrubs have been planted. Advanced
nursery stock was used to create a strong impression
Planning and design from the outset and establish park maturity.
The landscape structure of the masterplan reflects the
importance of the natural environment and conceives Early delivery of parks and green infrastructure prior to
three interconnected parks of individual identity. Central development further promoted Central, Southern and
Park, Southern Park and Ecology Park each have their Ecology Parks beyond their function as green space
own distinct form and function. to marketing and branding tools for investment.
Green spaces in areas undergoing major change 21
Lessons learnt
Green spaces:
assets or liabilities?
Whole area suffers from poor image Develop innovative and inspiring landscape and public Park Central p26
realm projects to provide a unique selling point
Housing areas lack green space Create a hierarchy of high-quality spaces to form St Peter’s Ward p28
centres of each neighbourhood, aiming to achieve
all the design qualities
Large amounts of poorly designed Remodel green space to improve its design quality Park Central p26
and managed green space
Vacant lots in a depopulated Create community-based productive interim uses Detroit, Michigan p32
urban area
Pressure to undertake Develop a clear vision of the quality of space that St Peter’s Ward p28
piecemeal demolition will be created through clearance
Derelict industrial infrastructure Make the most of heritage by retaining former Landschaftspark p40
industrial structures as centrepieces or venues in
green spaces
Large areas of contaminated land Employ low-cost remediation techniques such Holyhead Copse p92
as planting
Lack of integration between Develop a regional or sub-regional strategy with Regional Park and the
different strategies the role of green space at its heart Panopticons project p72
Lack of cultural vitality Integrate cultural approaches to urban regeneration Gunpowder Park p80
into green space design and management
Lack of community cohesion Use green space as a means of creating social vitality Green Streets p56
or trust in regeneration efforts and community capital
Lack of community trust in Design and carry out an effective involvement process Southey Owlerton p46
regeneration efforts
Low land values Raise land values by investing in high-quality public Minneapolis Park
realm early in the regeneration process System p8
Lack of economic vitality Make use of green spaces and vacant buildings Detroit, Michigan p32
for temporary uses
Low levels of design aspiration Use design panels and provide design training Southey Owlerton p46
Lack of green space Use green space in training programmes St Peter’s Ward p28
management skills
26 Start with the park
CASE STUDY
Background
A tight network of terraced housing, local shops and The buildings surrounding the park include living spaces
services dominated the area prior to the Second World with large windows and balconies, helping to overlook all
War. Following extensive bomb damage, it was cleared areas. This is reinforced by measures such as all ground-
and replaced by a series of modernist social housing floor units surrounding the park having individual front
blocks, isolated in large areas of formless public open doors on to the parkside.
space. Neither the buildings nor the open space did
anything to make strong townscape. The steep slope that The park is divided into a series of active and quiet areas
ran across the area included an under-used park. These that include a range of different planting zones.
areas were neither overlooked nor well enclosed, and
they received minimal management. At the centre of the park will be the community hub,
containing a range of local services with residential
Birmingham City Council transferred the housing stock accommodation above and enjoying views across
to the Optima Community Association, which formed a the park. The remainder of the site will be a mixed-use
partnership to redevelop the site with the developers and development with a range of residential tenures and
housebuilders Crest Nicholson. types. Each house or flat has access to a private green
space – either a back garden or a large balcony or patio.
The Park Central project shows how careful consideration In most of the higher-density housing units there is
of the relationship between the buildings and the green access to a communal green courtyard in the centre
space of a run-down and deprived area can form the of each perimeter block, with access limited to
centrepiece for its regeneration. The design aims to surrounding residents.
create a place that meets Birmingham City Council’s
wider ambitions to attract a wide range of people back Maintenance and management of the park will also be
to live in the inner city. much improved. Birmingham City Council will continue
to manage it and will provide a permanent on-site
Planning and design park warden.
Gardner Stewart Architects won a competition to create
a masterplan for the site. With Derek Lovejoy Partnership
and the Landscape Practice Partnership at Birmingham
City Council, they developed a mixed-use scheme that
forges a union between the buildings and the green space
to create strong townscape. The park now forms the core
of the new masterplan.
Green spaces in areas undergoing major change 27
Design Partners
Gardner Stewart Architects, Derek Lovejoy Partnership Birmingham City Council, Optima Housing
and the Landscape Practice Partnership, Couch Association, Crest Nicholson
Perry & Wilkes Services Consultants, Bullens Highway
Consultants, Curtins Structural Engineers
Lessons learnt
Background
Ashton has a large number of small terraced properties, green and develop public realm management
many in a poor structural condition and experiencing skills and employment opportunities.
high turnover of residents and other characteristics of
housing for which there is little demand. The Ashton The space has been designed so that existing and
Renewal Area was set up in 1996 to tackle social, new homes and calmed HomeZone streets overlook
economic and housing problems. The Doorstep Green it; the living rooms of the new housing are placed at
was part of a project within the renewal area including the front, on the first floor. A corner shop looks out
the demolition of 252 terraced houses and replacement on to the green.
by 102 larger homes. These were designed to create a
wider mix of housing sizes and tenures. As part of the The green has been designed as a space where all
consultation, the residents emphasised the need for a local people feel welcome. The community wanted
small green space in the heart of their community. an attractive space that was easy to maintain, whose
This was provided for in the masterplan. design would discourage anti-social behaviour. They
wanted improved street lighting to reduce the fear
St Peter’s, the most deprived ward in Tameside, is one of crime and they insisted that robust materials be
of the 4 per cent most deprived nationally, with a poor used in the space.
environment and lack of green space. Joy-riding and
speeding were common. The demolition of houses The design creates a series of small areas linked by
had caused additional problems, and some of the a path. Two of these support creative play, while two
few long-standing members of the community seating areas are laid out to encourage conversation.
had moved away. One area is slightly larger, to accommodate local events.
Local people worked with artists to design the many
Planning and design distinctive pieces of artwork.
The local partnership recruited a consultancy to run a
series of workshops with local businesses, community Outcomes
groups and residents who would live adjacent to the The green has suffered minimal vandalism. The space
site to develop a vision and design brief. has become the focal point of the community, and is
well used, especially by adults with younger children.
Around the same time the site was transferred to
St Peter’s Partnership under a 999-year lease. The The associated skills and employment project,
partnership also created a trading arm to maintain the Greenscape, has trained six local long-term unemployed
Green spaces in areas undergoing major change 29
Design Partners
Triangle Architects and Eventus St Peter’s Partnership, Tameside Metropolitan Borough
community engagement specialists Council, the Countryside Agency, Groundwork
Landscapes, West Pennine Housing Association
Lessons learnt
Biomass offers a
productive use of land
Green spaces in areas undergoing major change 31
Background
In central districts of several North American cities, Community groups have used areas of the city
the decline of industry, dominance of the car, lack of for a range of small, community-based activities,
planning controls and flight to the suburbs have left an including urban farming. So far they have converted
urban landscape dominated by large areas of vacant seven hectares of unused land into more than 40
lots and shells of buildings. No American city has community gardens and microfarms. These yield over
experienced such an extreme downturn as Detroit. six tonnes of produce a year, including hay, alfalfa,
Once the booming centre of global car production, honey, eggs, milk, beef, flowers, vegetables and herbs.
Detroit’s population has fallen from nearly two million Much of it is produced by volunteers and students,
in the 1950s to less than one million today. The city and sold on to other community organisations such
now has 40,000 vacant lots, making up around as soup kitchens. Abandoned buildings have been
a third of its area. converted into community centres, cafés, canneries
and greenhouses.
Visitors to inner Detroit are as likely to see vacant lots
and empty houses as occupied buildings. The city Outcomes
has been ravaged by depopulation and economic The urban farming movement in Detroit has inspired
deprivation. Having experienced the failure of wide-scale community activists in other North American cities to
demolition and top-down, capital-intensive renewal follow similar approaches. In Philadelphia and Chicago
programmes to reverse the decline, local communities urban farms producing flowers and vegetables for
have responded radically by reclaiming a series of lots restaurants and florists regularly produce a profit.
for a range of interim uses, including urban farming. Customers return organic waste to the farm to
be composted.
Planning and design
The city’s planning department desperately wanted Urban agriculture has inspired designers to create
to stabilise the decline and revitalise the downtown mobile modular storage/office/educational space
area. Between 1970 and 2000, over 150,000 buildings specifically geared towards urban farms.
were demolished, and only 3,000 were built. Large
commercial developments were built, including the None of the farms in Detroit are yet profitable, but the
Renaissance Centre, two stadiums and a casino, aim of these projects is to build a sense of community
but the decline continued. Suburban flight continued and create productive use from vacant land.
unabated, with 300,000 homes built outside the city
centre between 1970 and 2000.
Green spaces in areas undergoing major change 33
Design Partners
N/A Community and student groups
Planning green
infrastructure
36 Start with the park
Green infrastructure:
from national to local
Government policy
The regional
dimension
PARKWAYS
A13 Parkway A
A130 Parkway M
A127 Parkway
RAILWAYS
C2C
First Great Eastern
FGEL RIVERWAYS
Thames Catchme
8 1 1. Mardyke Valley
2. Hole Haven Cr
3. East Haven Cr
7 A127 4. Benfleet Creek
16 5. River Thames
Crouch Catchmen
10
A1
6 6. River Crouch
Basildon 9
30
8 10 22
6
11 GREENWAYS
A129
A13
A1
13
18 1. Thurrock/ Gray
C2C
2
7 7
16 2 2 2. Tilbury
15 17 12 A115
3 4
10
9 3. Chadwell St M
5 01 9 19 4. East Tilbury
4 B1 Southend-on-Sea
8
9
6 5 6 11 6 A13 14 5. Stanford-le-Ho
9 20
11 6. One Tree Hill
7 21
21 21 7. Corringham-Ba
13 8
21 8. Basildon-South
3 4
9. East Basildon
14 5
12 15 10. Wat Tyler
14
7 11. Bowers Marshe
A130
2 14 Canvey 12. Fobbing Marsh
4
1
2 A1014 Shellhaven 8 Island STRATEGIC PARKS
5 1. Tilbury Fort Co
A13 2. Coalhouse For
5 1
3. Cory Country P
4 5
4. Bluehouse Cou
A1089
3 5. Wat Tyler Coun
1
STRATEGIC DESTINATIONS
3 4
1. London Rivers
M25
21 1 1 Conservation P
2. Tilbury Fort
21 Tilbury 4
3. Coalhouse For
2
3 4. Langdon Hills C
1
5. One Tree Hill
2 3 6. Wat Tyler Coun
2 7. Benfleet Creek
1 8. The Concorde
EXISTING STRATEGIC LANDMARKS
1. Queen Elizabet
1 2. Tilbury Docks
3. Tilbury Power S
4. Coalhouse Fort
1. Grays
1 2. Basildon
3. South Benflee
Open Landscape
Designated Publi
Consultation events played Regional and sub-regional green The overall Strategic Framework
Strategic Views
an important part in the for the South Essex Green Grid
Greater Ashford
space planning allows for cross- identifies four types of strategic Strategic Viewpoi
regional spatial strategies that will to link a range of high-quality Figure 25 Overall S
parks and open spaces,
govern all elements of sustainable landmarks, views and other
Based upon Ordnance Survey map
H.M.S.O. © Crown copyright Repro
Background
After 300 years of coal mining and steel production, Existing industrial structures have been retained for
the Ruhr Valley experienced substantial economic a range of uses, including employment, leisure and
decline, low rates of economic development, relatively cultural events. This includes using the gasholder as
high unemployment, out-migration of skilled labour, a scuba-diving school, parts of the former ore-bunkers
and a declining tax base. Many large areas of the as climbing walls and the former central power station
region are contaminated and costly to redevelop, as a performance space. A city farm has also been
despite low land values. created.Ruderal vegetation on industrial soils, including
grasses, wildflowers, shrubs and trees, is allowed
The Landschaftspark (Landscape Park) at Duisburg- to grow over much of the site, with a low level of
Nord is an inspiring response to widespread industrial maintenance. Only the most contaminated areas of soil
decline and related socio-economic problems. The were removed or covered, the remainder being left as
Landschaftspark is the largest urban park to have been it was found and stabilised. This results in a challenging
created in Western Europe since the Second World War. aesthetic for those used to the tradition of manicured
and highly man-made urban parks. But it successfully
Planning and design creates a range of different and beautiful environments
At over 70 kilometres long and covering over 300 with very low maintenance costs.
square kilometres of brownfield land, the Emscher
Regional Park was established in 1989 as a co- The improvement of the Emscher River has allowed
ordinated spatial strategy. The initiative has included it to provide the park’s water, and a wind turbine
over 120 social, economic and physical projects, provides the energy to pump and oxygenate it.
of which the Landschaftspark was one of the
most significant. Others included 2,500 new and A series of themed trails and cycleways allow visitors
refurbished homes, an innovation centre for to explore and understand the site. Multi-level access
self-build housing initiatives, and social is provided by way of bridges and walkways and
initiatives including training. through doorways cut into bunkers and other
structures. Old railway tracks have become
The landscape design has combined a celebration paths into and out of the site.
of industrial heritage with a highly accessible,
usable and beautiful urban park. The strategy
allows natural processes of growth and decay
to occur with minimal intervention.
Planning green infrastructure 41
Design Partners
Latz + Partner, Latz-Riehl-Schulz, G Lipkowsky IBA (Internationale Bauausstellung), LEG
NRW in trust for the Duisburg city council,
Emschergenossenschaft Essen, KVR Essen and
a range of community groups including the IG
Nordpark and the Society for industrial Culture
Outcomes
The park, which is public and open with free admission, Lessons learnt
has contributed positively to the area’s image. It attracts
tourists to an area that is not a traditional destination. • The degraded industrial urban landscape
The large number of popular events and cultural required an integrated approach to tackle both
activities attract over 500,000 paying visitors annually, the economic and the environmental challenges
meeting around half the park’s running costs.
• The retention and creative use of industrial
The Landschaftspark’s marketing is viewed as a heritage was made easier by the lack of
success, although the park has yet to deliver the development pressure. This enabled the design
direct increases in property values and reductions in of the park to go beyond the usual museum,
unemployment that were expected. Employment is visitor centre and café approach to industrial
provided within the park, but not at a comparable scale heritage often found in the UK. Instead, an
to previous industrial uses on the site – but this was environment is presented where visitors have
never the original objective of the park. a real and thought-provoking interaction with
industrial structures, green spaces and
natural processes
At Landschaftspark, nature Parts of the former
has been left to recolonise ore-bunkers are used
much of the site as climbing walls • Incorporating natural vegetation and processes
of growth and decay has reduced the need
for large-scale soil treatment or expensive
maintenance regimes.
References
FCA (Fundacion Caja De Arquitectos) (2000)
Rehacer paisajes/Remaking landscapes, Barcelona.
www.latzundpartner.de
www.landschaftspark.de/english/html/nav/mainfraim.html
www.hochofenwerk.de/main/index.html
42 Start with the park
Understanding the
local context
Landscape character
Primary green edges • Ashford is exploring the use of strategic tariffs and a
Green infrastructure accommodates the transition development fund for the early provision of parks and
between buildings and the surrounding countryside. open spaces. Green spaces will be designed and
Green edges are designed as an interface to protect managed by the delivery agency and developed prior
important natural conservation areas, provide to the construction of houses. Costs will be retrieved
movement corridors for pedestrians and cyclists, from the housebuilders through a local land tax
and provide environmental benefits. They will
improve the micro-climate for nearby homes, • The role of parks and open spaces within the town
produce energy crops and help treat grey water and the managed urban/rural fringe will become a
and sewage through the use of reed beds, living vital aspect of marketing housing development in
machines and other technologies. the face of competition from elsewhere.
46 Start with the park
CASE STUDY
Park city
Developing a network of green spaces to link and
enhance existing areas around new community
centres and housing development as part of a
strategy to raise land values.
Green arteries
Creating centres of activity and other new projects
along a series of green routes and linear parks.
Background
South Essex has generally been perceived as a This informed the constraints and opportunities
sprawling area of fragmented and characterless summarised in the Strategic Opportunities Plan
urban development that has ignored its environmental and Strategic Framework.
assets and the river. The extension of the original
Thames Gateway to include South Essex was
designed to provide regeneration for existing
communities as well as a large area of growth. The Strategic Framework covers the whole of
The government plans envision almost 45,000 Thames Gateway South Essex and identifies
new homes to be built, and 55,000 new jobs four types of strategic corridors. These are
to be created by 2021. Much of this will be designed to link a range of high-quality parks
provided on previously developed land. and open spaces, landmarks, views and other
important features:
The Thames Gateway South Essex Green Grid Strategy
is a radical vision, which places landscape at the heart • Parkways and urban green roadways
of the development process. A series of major projects • Riverways
is already underway to create a functional green • Railways
infrastructure, which provides for sustainable energy, • Greenways such as footpaths
cleaner air and food and water and manages flood and cycle paths.
risk, protection against the impact of climate change,
healthier lifestyles and a stronger economy.
Lessons learnt
References
www.tgessex.co.uk
www.greengrid.co.uk
www.lda-design.co.uk
50 Start with the park
‘Any effort to In the past, green space planning multiple uses. Local policy and
has been determined by a variety of guidance should take account of
improve children’s quantitative green space standards. the quality of green space, as well
play opportunities Many of these have been incorporated as the quantity. From design policy
into local development plans as to design quality18 offers a framework
must recognise… targets for the development of for developing a comprehensive
that most play new green spaces. range of design policies for local
does not take policy documents.
The Active Recreation Standards,
place on sites set out by the National Playing Fields
formally Association, call for local authorities Setting quality standards
designated as to provide a minimum level of space
and facilities for sports for adults The criteria of the Green Flag Award,
play spaces.’ and youths, and play for children.16 the national standard for parks and
green spaces, are used by 70 per
Getting serious about play The Accessible Natural Greenspace cent of councils in England. An awarded
(DCMS, 2004)
Standards (ANGSt), developed by site can be used as a local benchmark
English Nature, relate to the accessibility against which the quality of management
(on foot) and size of areas that have and maintenance of a range of sites can
been naturally colonised by plants be measured using the criteria. For green
and animals.17 spaces in or around housing, Building for
Life and CABE have developed a series
Such quantitative national standards of qualitative standards.
should be used with care. As PPG17
notes, while they remain a good starting
point, standards are best set locally
to meet local needs, demographic
patterns and economic patterns.
Policies should reflect an understanding
of how green spaces are integrated
with the built environment; of the wide
variety of types of green space; and
of the suitability of many of them for
Planning green infrastructure 51
Thinking about
design
54 Start with the park
Introduction
Background
Red Rose Forest is one of the 12 Community
Forests in the National Community Forest Partnership Walter Street, Old Trafford:
and promotes urban forestry. Set up in 1992, the Creating a HomeZone
organisation is currently involved in a wide range of The residents living in Walter Street complained
projects. These include a new regional forest park that of vandalism, crime and fear of crime. A new
aims to recover several hundred hectares of derelict street design was worked up through community
land; support local timber industries across the region; consultation. Thick bushes that reduced visibility
support biodiversity across green spaces; and make were removed. Children from the local primary
streets greener. school helped residents, councillors and business
owners to plant silver birch trees and hundreds
Red Rose Forest’s Green Streets initiative enables of bulbs along the sides of the road, and they
people in urban areas to improve the environment witnessed the installation of impressive standing
of their streets. stones – an environmental art work which was
approved by the local community and helps to
Planning and design calm the traffic.
The Green Streets initiative aims to integrate trees and
other greenery into some of the most challenging urban Goole Street: Creating a unique identity
environments. These include very high-density, terraced The Goole Street residents did not want
neighbourhoods, where there is often little space for traditional street trees, but opted instead for
green areas and vandalism is rife. These areas are baskets and planters, which were designed in
often deprived and unpopular. conjunction with local residents and helped
develop a distinctive identity for the street.
The Green Streets team operates as an enabler The planters also create a small but significant
throughout the planning, design and funding stages of defensible space in the form of a small area
a project. It tailors solutions to the needs of each street. between the street and the terraced houses.
This is especially important for the Goole Street
Each street-greening scheme starts with members of properties that open straight on to the street.
the community championing the idea to neighbours and Today, baskets and planters afford residents the
other residents. The Green Streets team will develop the opportunity to sit out in the street in the summer.
design and concept for the street by using computerised
Thinking about design 57
Lessons learnt
What is a well-designed
green space?
Good design is rarely brought about for designing new spaces or improving
by prescribing rigid quantitative existing places. They are prompts for
standards, but rather by approaches that thinking, not rules. The qualities overlap
emphasise the qualities that make space and reinforce each other.
work. It depends on understanding
a wide range of considerations and The qualities have been adapted from
finding creative resolutions to potential By design: urban design in the planning
conflicts. Good design needs inspiration, system20 which, like this publication,
innovation and experimentation. focuses on the everyday experience of
Minimising risk is important but needs people in the urban environment. There
to be balanced with the need to create is one other quality that many successful
stimulating environments that can be green spaces have: beauty. Like the
surprising and educational.19 other eight, beauty should also be one
of the objectives, even though it may be
The design of a successful green space difficult to define. In a place that has the
depends on understanding the particular other eight qualities, beauty may well
needs it will meet. Why is the space being be the natural product of the patterns
created? Who will use it and how? In of nature and human life and the skills
many places there are already too many of talented designers.
pointless unused areas of grass or small
patches of leftover green space adjacent
to buildings, which offer little value but still
impose a maintenance burden. The qualities of
successful green spaces
Successful green spaces come in a wide
range of types and sizes, and have a 1. Sustainability
variety of functions. What works best for 2. Character and distinctiveness
a particular locality will depend on local 3. Definition and enclosure
circumstances. But there are a number of 4. Connectivity and accessibility
qualities that successful parks, squares 5. Legibility
and green spaces have in common. 6. Adaptability and robustness
These are shown in the box and are 7. Inclusiveness
explored in the following pages. These 8. Biodiversity
qualities can provide a useful framework
Thinking about design 59
1. Sustainability
Sustainable urban drainage Successful green spaces contribute reserve or a residential communal
systems (SUDS) are widely
used to reduce the impact of
towards making more attractive garden should play a more complex
urban runoff on the aquatic towns and cities; provide venues for role than its name suggests: all green
environment. A permanent cultural events and the arts; raise land spaces should promote a distinct
lake forms the basis for flood
storage for the Quaggy Flood
values; and provide safe routes. Their sense of place and provide a range
Alleviation Scheme in ecological functions include providing of environmental services, accommodate
Kidbrooke, Greenwich flood protection and sustainable several uses and provide multiple
drainage; creating better microclimates; benefits. Each of the eight qualities
air filtration; shading; and enhancing can contribute towards more
biodiversity. A sports pitch, a nature sustainable communities.
60 Start with the park
CASE STUDY
Design Partners
The Environment Agency The Environment Agency, Quaggy Waterways Action
Group (QWAG), London Borough of Greenwich,
London Borough of Lewisham, Groundwork
Thames Gateway London South, Halcrow,
Glendale Grounds Management
Lessons learnt
‘Green spaces
are reservoirs
of collective
memory.’
Ken Worpole
2. Character and
distinctiveness
Parks, squares and gardens form an Public art on its own will not save
important component of the identity of a a poorly designed space.
place, reflecting the complexity of local
landscape, culture and heritage. At their
best, green spaces can become the ‘Fight for authenticity
proud symbols of an area. and integrity…Value the
Understanding the character and three- common place. Our cultural
dimensional shape of the landscape is landscapes are our ordinary
an essential step in designing successful
green spaces. Natural features such
history and everyday
as rivers, streams, woodlands, trees, nature intertwined…Let the
hedges, wetlands, hills and valleys should character of the people and
be protected and integrated into designs.
These can help to deliver a range of the place express itself…
benefits, such as providing attractive Don’t fossilise places.’
routes along river or woodland corridors,
or protecting homes from prevailing Sue Clifford, Common Ground
winds through planted shelter belts.
They also help to create a distinctive
sense of place.
‘Local planning authorities
should not attempt to
A successful green space will usually impose architectural styles
promote and reflect the identity and
culture of a local community. Involving or particular tastes…it is,
local people in the design process will however, proper to seek to
help to achieve this. Every element of the
green space design contributes towards
promote or reinforce local
its identity. The choice of planting, distinctiveness particularly
materials, furniture, railings, paving and where this is supported by
public art can all be important.
clear plan policies
Public art should be integrated into the or supplementary planning
design of the space at the outset rather documents on design.’
than being added on at the end of the
design process. It should enhance
PPS1 (ODPM 2005, para. 38)
people’s appreciation of the landscape
and public realm.
64 Start with the park
CASE STUDY
Background
A gas factory and other buildings were laid out at the The success of the interim uses and the difficulties
western edge of Amsterdam at the end of the nineteenth in developing the site owing to soil contamination
century, rapidly becoming the main supplier of coal meant that for the next decade the gasholder and
gas to the city. In the early 1960s the municipal energy 14 other industrial buildings were used temporarily
company began switching to natural gas, eventually for a series of cultural uses and increasingly
closing down the gas-making plants in 1967. The site successful outdoor festivals.
was then used for storage and workshops. Following
pressure from the local community, the land was Planning and design
designated as a green space for recreational A development plan, adopted in 1996, envisioned
use in 1981. a culture park in which the industrial buildings would
be retained, restored and managed by a private
After a competition, the district council decided to company. The main aim was to ensure as much
convert the site into a national centre for modern music, variety as possible by including both short- and
despite resistance from some local people who wanted long-term cultural enterprises, including theatre,
the site to benefit the neighbourhood more directly. music, fashion, film and visual art.
But before the site could be made available, the council
decided to give it to a project group who would promote Because this was an unusual project, perceived
short-term cultural uses. This soon turned out to be as high-risk, many banks did not want to invest in
very successful in drawing in a wide range of redeveloping the buildings. Eventually the National
cultural enterprises. Restoration Fund (a government agency) provided
a low-cost loan. Once funding had been obtained,
Over the past 15 years the major new urban park of the key challenge was to deal with soil contamination.
Westerpark has been created from a derelict and highly The project managed to maintain a closed soil balance,
contaminated industrial site. The experience shows how keeping all contaminated soil within the site.
interim uses within and around industrial buildings can
contribute to regenerating the wider area and promote The landscape architect Gustafson and Porter’s
the cultural economy. In an area of great development competition-winning design created a 14 hectare
pressure, the park now forms one of Amsterdam’s park that changes from a free-flowing landscape in
main cultural hubs. the west to a more formal urban layout in the east.
The park’s different zones vary in function and
character. The industrial heritage remains visible
and integral to the sense of place.
Thinking about design 65
3. Definition and
enclosure
4. Connectivity and
accessibility
Link communities
Background
In Barcelona, the two suburbs of Can Clota and The central axis is flanked with planting and seating.
Can Vidalet were built in the 1960s and 1970s at The path is well lit to encourage its use throughout
high density. They have remained relatively deprived the night. The neon strip-lighting is designed to be
and are under-served by parks and squares. In the seen from the motorway, serving as a gateway
mid-1990s an association of Barcelona’s 27 local and a symbol of the integration of two previously
authorities decided to design and build a park to divided communities.
join the two communities.
Outcomes
Ring and trunk roads around Barcelona have divided The park has become so well used by local people
communities in many outer urban areas. Many urban that the local authority has had to maintain it much
areas in the UK also suffer from severance caused by more intensively than originally planned. The success
large-scale transport infrastructure. The Parque de la of this demonstration project has led to similar
Solidaridad suggests a possible solution by bridging projects in other areas of Barcelona.
the motorway, thereby linking two residential areas and
creating four hectares of public space. This case shows
that in areas of high-density development with limited
opportunities for green space, the space above roads, Lessons learnt
railways or even buildings can be used as an excellent
piece of urban green infrastructure. • Good parks and green spaces can provide
a link between separate areas and reduce
Planning and design the severance effects of large-scale
Sergi Godia and Xavier Casas designed the park to transport infrastructure
span the valley formed by an old river course. The park’s
leisure facilities occupy a series of outdoor rooms on • Where there is no room for green spaces
graded platforms. because of high density of other uses, parks
can be created on top of buildings or
The park is centred on a wide pedestrian way that links other infrastructure.
into the existing urban fabric on each side of the road.
The design emphasises the panoramic views of the
surrounding hills and the sea in the distance.
Thinking about design 69
5. Legibility
Background
East Lancashire combines wonderful landscapes Panopticons is a four-year project to create six new
with an important industrial heritage, which in landmarks for East Lancashire – one in each district.
some cases has left behind a scarred landscape They will take the form of shelters, viewing platforms or
and a poor image. The area contains many towns beacons and will be built at high points on key access
of individual character, most of which can offer routes around the East Lancashire Regional Park,
residents direct access to the great outdoors commanding stunning views.
within a few minutes’ walk.
The Panopticons will, by their location and their
The Regional Park covers all of East Lancashire, design, become icons for the area, showcasing the
an area that is home to over 500,000 people – unique character and beauty of East Lancashire and
the equivalent of a medium-sized European city. attracting visitors. They will also be a symbol, carrying
The programme is focused on creating a the message that East Lancashire is a place where new
recognisable heart in a broad band of urban standards for design and presentation are being set.
fringe land, which adjoins some of the most
deprived wards in England. Like the city centre, A complementary education and creative arts
which defines the unique character of each city, programme, LAND, is developing a series of creative,
the Regional Park is intended to establish a unique educational arts projects inspired by the landscapes of
character and positive identity for East Lancashire. East Lancashire. LAND is a cross-cutting initiative that
offers an opportunity to involve local communities to add
Planning and design depth, value and distinctiveness to the Regional Park.
The enhancement of the landscape through Design teams have now been selected for each of the
the Regional Park will combine with measures Panopticons. An international competition managed by
to invigorate local economic, housing and social the Royal Institute of British Architects for the first three
conditions to take full advantage of the natural and sites received an overwhelming response. All winners
built heritage of East Lancashire. It complements were chosen following extensive public consultation;
other regeneration schemes such as the ELEVATE construction is expected to begin in spring 2005.
housing market renewal programme and the
Rapid Transit project. One of the key projects is
the Panopticons scheme.
Thinking about design 73
Outcomes
The East Lancashire Regional Park has attracted
funding of £5 million from the Single Regeneration
Budget matched by a further £18 million from the
public and private sector. This has resulted in a
range of projects encompassing health, sport,
biodiversity and art.
Lessons learnt
6. Adaptability and
robustness
7. Inclusiveness
‘People think
The Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) we’re causing
The DDA was passed in 1995 to end the trouble but really
discrimination that many disabled people face. we’re just going
From 2004 service providers need to have made
reasonable adjustments to the physical features
around lots of
of parks and green space to remove physical places – we’re just
barriers to access. The Code of Practice – hanging around.’
Rights of access, goods, facilities, services
and premises – is available from the Disability
Marc (18), a skater in Edinburgh
Rights Commission’s website: www.drc-gb.org
80 Start with the park
CASE STUDY
Background
The site of Gunpowder Park was used for manufacturing spaces. The park itself is on the axis of the Thames
and testing for the arms industry for almost 100 years. Gateway and the London–Stansted–Cambridge–
Lee Valley Regional Park Authority (LVRPA) bought Peterborough growth corridor. It forms part of the
the site after large-scale remediation work had been strategic Lee Valley Regional Park.
completed. Rather than simply adding it to the rest of
the adjacent country park, the LVRPA decided to create Planning and design
a distinct character area. This has been specifically LDA Design produced a dramatic new landscape
designed as a site for experimentation and exploration inspired by and reflecting the site’s heritage. There are
of the links between the arts and the environment. four distinct bioregions, with almost 50,000 new trees,
four kilometres of new hedgerows and seven kilometres
The park is now managed by a special partnership of pathways, which link into local and national networks.
between the LVRPA and Landscape and Arts Network Features include viewing points, an earthwork stage,
Services (LANS), a non-profit company that helps to wetlands, working arable farmland and wildflower
manage a wide-ranging programme of events and meadows. The park includes a field station with a
activities. LANS’s role is both to help with funding and flexible indoor space for art creation and exhibitions.
to facilitate the work itself. The park has been funded
mainly by the LVRPA, with contributions from English Outcomes
Nature and ODPM. The site is now open and well used by local people as
a local park. At the same time the park is the source
A wide recognition of the potential of arts and culture- material for a range of arts projects considering the
led regeneration has led to a boom in investment in physical and social aspects of open space and the
museums and arts centres across the UK. Gunpowder forces of nature. For example, the Bright Sparks project
Park represents a unique approach to arts-based explores the way in which existing and new open
regeneration in a newly created, large green space. The spaces can be designed in order to be more stimulating
103-hectare park is not just a place for art installations for users. This responds to the risk-averse culture in
but is also being used as a test-bed for artists and public space design and management highlighted by
designers to try out new forms of land art and explore CABE Space in What are we scared of? The value of
how people interact with the natural world. This research risk in designing public space. Another recent project
and development work is feeding into the plans for open enabled local young people to develop their aspirations
space and how people interpret and respond to different for regeneration of the surrounding area if the Olympic
Thinking about design 81
8. Biodiversity
Delivering
better green
spaces
86 Start with the park
Introduction
Partnerships and
collaborations
In 2004, CABE Space published Is the grass • Strong and effective lobbying by green space
greener? Learning from international innovations in advocates to demonstrate the value of green
urban green space management. 11 cities with a space and ensure that resources are not
good reputation for well-managed parks and gardens diverted elsewhere
were examined. The research identified the key
lessons for park managers in England: • Well-trained and committed staff who operate
in a stable organisational environment
• Strong and continued political leadership and
commitment to green space quality • Efficient management structures that
devolve management responsibility to
• A strategic view of green space management the appropriate levels
that is integrated with other public services
and priorities • Good collaborative partnerships with a range
of public and private stakeholders
• An effective and well-developed process of
community engagement and involvement in • Co-ordinated and integrated responsibility
green space management
• Dedicated management models that have some
• Adequate and reliable resources, with long-term degree of political and financial independence
and secure funding from independent sources
• Effective monitoring of outcomes that feeds
• A general focus on quality rather than quantity back into decision-making.
Delivering better green spaces 89
Why it is vital to
secure revenue funding
Local authorities do not have a statutory sports pitches and so on. It is therefore
duty to provide or maintain parks and vital to find sources of funding that
green spaces. Within local authorities, can be ring-fenced for parks
the revenue funding for maintaining maintenance, rather than being
parks and green spaces comes from the added to the central funding pot,
Environmental, Protective and Cultural where they may too easily be diverted
Services (EPCS) block, which provides to support other services.
funding for all local authorities’ non-
statutory expenditure. In other words, In the last decade or so it has become
parks and green spaces are competing easier to find capital funding for
for money with a wide range of other restoring parks and green spaces.
services including libraries, theatres and The Heritage Lottery Fund has provided
public transport support. And when £320 million since 1995 for over 200
money is short, it is often easiest for urban parks. ODPM, The Landfill Tax
councillors to decide to trim a bit off the Credit Scheme, Big Lottery Fund, the
parks budget, rather than face the outcry Countryside Agency, Sport England
that would happen if they had to close a and the Environment Agency, among
swimming pool or library. This is because others, provide a range of funds to
a reduced parks budget will rarely result improve or create green spaces.
in having to close a park – whereas a Planning obligations, strategic tariffs
reduced swimming pool budget might and regeneration funds can also provide
well result in closure for lack of lifeguards capital funding. However, it is often
or cleaners. However, if parks budgets very difficult to secure revenue funding.
are cut year after year, the cumulative All too often, parks and other spaces
lack of maintenance will result in a poor are restored to a very high standard,
landscape lacking in the very facilities yet within a few years can decline
that visitors love – on-site staff, cafés, again because they have not
flowerbeds, good paths, well-drained been maintained.
The need for quality green spaces 91
Background Outcomes
One of the key challenges for many low-demand In the space of five years the site had been transformed
areas is how to manage large numbers of fragmented, from an indistinct area of rough open grassland and
contaminated and potentially dangerous sites. There are rubble into a visually attractive area of young woodland.
often insufficient funds to convert them into formal parks Canopy closure was achieved over most of the area
or to provide intense continuing maintenance. Many of within four years. More than 95 per cent of the trees
these areas could be greatly improved by planting trees survived and vandalism rates were very low.
and woodland using cost-effective techniques.
The copse cost £2,500 per hectare to create in 1991
The National Urban Forestry Unit (NUFU) has been (a fraction of the cost of more formal landscapes) and
developing appropriate ways of rapidly reclaiming this requires very little maintenance each year by the
kind of derelict land. Holyhead Copse is one practical local council.
example. It is a 1.6-hectare site in Sandwell, West
Midlands, surrounded by low-demand housing and The site has been increasingly well used by local
industry. The site had been infilled with a mixture of residents for dog walking, children’s play and other
inert materials following open cast coal extraction. informal activities and it also provides a wide range
The surface had been compacted and sealed in of habitats for wildlife.
some areas with concrete. There had been some
colonisation by rough grass and low-growing
vegetation and there was also some fly-tipping.
Design Partners
Black Country Urban Forestry Unit, Black Country Urban Forestry Unit, now the National
now the National Urban Forestry Unit (NUFU) Urban Forestry Unit (NUFU), the Forestry Commission,
Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council
Lessons learnt
References
www.nufu.org.uk
National Urban Forestry Unit (2001)
Woodland wildlife: The biodiversity of the Black
Country Urban Forest, Wolverhampton, National
Urban Forestry Unit
National Urban Forestry Unit (1998) Urban forestry
in practice case study 1: Cost-effective woodland
planting on derelict land, Wolverhampton, National
Urban Forestry Unit
94 Start with the park
Awards
‘The most
Awareness-raising and training
needs to be planned in the light of
an understanding of who requires
training, what skills are required and
important thing
what methods of training are
appropriate. Parks need people
need parks, published by CABE
Space, highlights the acute skills
is to start’
shortages in park planning,
management and maintenance.24
Appendix
Other planning policy and
guidance documents not
mentioned in the main report
Glossary the relevant planning out in the UK Biodiversity Public realm strategies
and design policies, and Action Plan. They provide provide guidance on all
A full range of definitions in particular how green information on habitats the public space – green,
is provided by The space can help to make and species, including hard or street – in an area
dictionary of urbanism the most of the specific those at risk. Guidance on or district. They deal with
www.urbanwords.info site. The brief will usually LBAPs can be obtained matters under the control
contain some indicative, from the UK Biodiversity of a wide range of different
Area action plans but flexible vision of future Partnership. organisations, with a
are development plan development form. multitude of different long-
documents that provide a term objectives. Such a
planning framework for an Development plan Local development strategy may be the key
area of significant change documents are spatial documents are to providing a framework
or conservation. planning documents statutory development in which green spaces
subject to independent plan documents or non- can be integrated into
Biotope is an area examination. statutory supplementary their urban setting.
of relatively uniform planning documents
environmental conditions, Green space strategies contained in a local Supplementary
occupied by a particular are cross-cutting development framework. planning documents
plant community and its documents that set out are pieces of guidance
associated fauna. the current condition of Local development supplementing the
a local authority’s stock frameworks are policies and proposals
Design codes set out of green spaces and its portfolios of local in development plan
and illustrate with some vision for the future. They development documents documents.
precision how design identify the resources, that together provide a
and planning principles responsibilities and framework for delivering Urban design
should be applied to timescales needed to the spatial planning frameworks illustrate
development and the make this vision a reality. strategy for an area. how planning and design
structure of its public policies and principles
and green spaces in a Green space Masterplans chart the should be implemented
particular place. management plans masterplanning process in areas where there is
A design code may be are documents that are and explain how a site a need to control, guide
included as part of an produced for each park or or a series of sites will be and promote change. This
urban design framework, green space. They identify developed (although the includes urban quarters,
a development brief or the current condition, a term is often applied more transport corridors,
a masterplan when a vision, an action plan with generally to any form of regeneration areas and
degree of prescription funding and resources, design guidance). town centres. An urban
is appropriate. and a monitoring process. The masterplan will design framework will set
describe how the proposal out the basic structure
Development briefs Local biodiversity and its green spaces will of green and other open
provide guidance on how action plans (LBAPs) be implemented, and spaces, and may be
a specific site of significant are the mechanisms by it will set out the costs, used to co-ordinate more
size or sensitivity should which local areas will phasing and timing of detailed development
be developed in line with secure the targets set development. briefs and masterplans.
98 Start with the park
body for protecting English Partnerships, professional conduct. recreation and public well-
and improving the Groundwork UK, the being; and contributing to
environment in England Forestry Commission the way natural resources
and Wales, ensuring that and the Environment NATIONAL TRUST are managed – so they
air, land and water are Agency, the Land can be enjoyed now and
managed sustainably. Restoration Trust is a new The National Trust holds for future generations.
It works in areas as venture aimed at tackling many areas of natural www.english-nature.org.uk/
diverse as flood defence, enduring dereliction beauty and special About/naturalengland.htm
pollution control, town across England. The Land buildings in perpetuity for
planning, farming and Restoration Trust will the nation. It is involved
waste. It also funds provide environmentally with a wide range of Urban parks
improvements to informed, community-led, education and
green spaces. long-term regeneration business initiatives. GREENSPACE (formerly
solutions through www.nationaltrust.org.uk Urban Parks Forum)
local partnerships.
www.landrestorationtrust.org.uk NATURAL ENGLAND GreenSpace is a
GROUNDWORK UK charitable organisation
LANDSCAPE DESIGN Following publication set up to help those
Groundwork UK is a TRUST of the draft Natural committed to the
leading environmental Environment and Rural planning, design,
regeneration charity, The Landscape Design Communities Bill in management and use
aiming to make Trust aims to disseminate February 2005, English of public parks and
sustainable development information about Nature, the environment open spaces. It is a
a reality in the UK’s landscape to the widest activities of the Rural membership organisation
poorest neighbourhoods. possible audience Development Service and dedicated to promoting
Every year sub-regional through publications the Countryside Agency’s the importance of public
Groundwork Trusts and its website. Landscape, Access spaces and increasing
deliver thousands www.landscape.co.uk and Recreation division awareness of related
of projects in are working together to issues.
neighbourhoods blighted LANDSCAPE INSTITUTE protect and enhance our
by high unemployment landscapes and wildlife,
and crime levels, poor The Landscape Institute promote countryside HERITAGE LOTTERY
public health, run-down is the chartered institute access and recreation. FUND
housing and public for landscape architects
spaces, waste ground in the UK. It promotes In 2007 the three The Heritage Lottery
and struggling the highest standards in organisations will be Fund enables
businesses. the practice of landscape united in a single body communities to look
www.groundwork.org.uk architecture and with responsibility for after, learn about and
management. Its main enhancing biodiversity celebrate the UK’s
LAND RESTORATION objective is to regulate and our landscapes and diverse heritage. Since
TRUST the way its members wildlife in rural, urban, establishing its Urban
operate through its coastal and marine Parks Programme in
A partnership comprising mandatory code of areas; promoting access, 1995, it has committed
100 Start with the park
£320 million to regen- education and social NATIONAL PLAYING Trees, woodland and
erating over 200 parks. inclusion. Its mission is to FIELDS ASSOCIATION nature conservation
www.hlf.org.uk improve facilities, create
opportunities and build The NPFA is the only BTCV
communities, with grants national organisation with
Outdoor sports ranging from £100 specific responsibility BTCV is the UK’s largest
and children’s play to £1 million. for acquiring, protecting practical conservation
www.footballfoundation.org.uk and improving playing charity. It helps over
CHILDREN’S PLAY fields, playgrounds and 130,000 volunteers take
COUNCIL INSTITUTE OF LEISURE play space. It provides hands-on action each
AND AMENITIES an advisory service and year to improve the rural
The Children’s Play MANAGEMENT publications on design, and urban environment.
Council is a campaigning layout and safety. It has received funds
and research organisation ILAM is the professional www.npfa.co.uk from Defra and the
promoting children’s body for the leisure National Lottery.
policy development industry and represents SPORT ENGLAND www.btcv.org.uk
in England. The the interests of leisure
CPC is an alliance of managers across the arts, Sport England is FORESTRY
national and regional children’s play, libraries, committed to creating COMMISSION
voluntary organisations, museums, parks and opportunities for people
local authorities and open spaces. The institute to start sport, stay in sport The Forestry
partnerships. It aims to helps those working in and succeed in sport. Commission is the
raise awareness of the leisure to extend their It encourages people to government department
importance of play. skills, develop their get involved with sport responsible for forestry
It promotes consultation careers and improve the and physical activity, policy throughout Great
with children and lives of individuals and distributes funding and Britain. It aims to protect
young people of all communities across invests in a range of and expand Britain’s
abilities and facilitates the UK. sporting projects. forests and woodlands,
networks between www.ilam.co.uk It seeks to influence and increase their
children’s services. decision-makers and value to society and
LEARNING THROUGH public opinion. the environment.
LANDSCAPES www.sportengland.org www.forestry.gov.uk
FOOTBALL
FOUNDATION Learning through THE SENSORY TRUST NATIONAL COMMUNITY
Landscapes is the FORESTS PARTNERSHIP
The foundation aims national school grounds The Sensory Trust raises
to revitalise the grass- charity. It works with awareness of good The partnership works
roots sport of football, schools, early-years practice in green space with the 12 community
investing in parks, schools settings, organisations design and management; forests in England to
and playing fields, and and individuals across makes green space more create high-quality
harnessing the power the country to help them accessible; and offers environments for millions
of the game within improve and develop consultancy and advice of people by diversifying
communities, to promote their grounds. on inclusive design. land use, revitalising
www.ltl.org.uk www.sensorytrust.org.uk
Appendix 101
derelict land, revitalising TREES FOR CITIES Green routes Allotments and
derelict landscapes, city farms
enhancing biodiversity Trees for Cities is an BRITISH WATERWAYS
and providing new independent charity ENCAMS
opportunities for leisure, supporting city-wide tree British Waterways
recreation, cultural planting and greening is responsible for ENCAMS is the charity
activity, education, healthy initiatives in urban areas maintaining 2,000 miles that runs the Keep
living, and social and of greatest need. Its aim (3,220km) of the UK’s Britain Tidy campaign.
economic development. is to stimulate a greening inland waterway network Its aims are to convince
www.communityforest.org.uk renaissance in cities so that people can use it its targeted groups to
around the world. for a wide range of leisure take effective action to
NATIONAL URBAN www.treesforcities.org activities. It is also seeking enable others to improve,
FORESTRY UNIT to extend the network as maintain and own their
WILDLIFE TRUSTS part of the UK’s tourism local environments;
NUFU is a charitable industry. correctly dispose of
organisation that aims to The Wildlife Trusts www.britishwaterways.co.uk material that could
raise awareness of the partnership is the UK’s become litter; deter
positive contribution that leading conservation NATIONAL TRAILS gum deposition; deter
trees make to the charity exclusively graffiti; reduce nuisance
quality of life in towns. dedicated to wildlife. National Trails provides and abandoned
It champions urban and Its network of 47 local over 2,500 miles vehicles; and reduce
community forestry to wildlife trusts, alongside (4,000km) of the nation’s the nuisance of
those tackling such a junior branch, Wildlife favourite rambles and neighbourhood
issues as public health, Watch, work together to rides, offering some of the noise.
leisure and recreation, protect wildlife in towns best walking, riding and
land reclamation, built and the countryside. The cycling experiences in the
development, heritage wildlife trusts care for over country. FEDERATION OF
and education. 2,560 nature reserves, CITY FARMS AND
www.nufu.org.uk from rugged coastline COMMUNITY GARDENS
to urban wildlife havens. SUSTRANS
TREE COUNCIL With more than 413,000 The Federation of City
members, the wildlife Sustrans works on Farms and Community
The Tree Council’s trusts lobby for better practical projects to Gardens is a charity that
aim is to improve the protection of the UK’s encourage people to supports, promotes and
environment in town and natural heritage. walk, cycle and use represents city farms
country by promoting the www.wildlifetrusts.org public transport in order and community gardens
planting and conservation to reduce motor traffic. throughout the UK. Its
of trees and woods It is responsible for the members range from
throughout the UK. National Cycle Network, organic orchards to
It disseminates knowledge a project that has pockets of urban space
and acts as a forum for delivered nearly 10,000 saved from development;
organisations concerned miles of routes in the UK. from allotment
with trees. www.sustrans.org.uk associations to well-
www.treecouncil.org.uk
102 Start with the park
LANS is an international
network of visual
and performing
artists, craftspeople,
academics, landscape
architects, architects,
journalists, ecologists
and environmentalists,
which aims to improve
the landscape and
surroundings through
art, design and
creative activity.
www.landartnet.org
NATIONAL SOCIETY
OF ALLOTMENT AND
LEISURE GARDENERS
Acknowledgements
A wide range of people Tom Lonsdale, Regional Park and the Gunpowder Park
contributed indispensable Camlin Lonsdale Panopticons project Eileen Woods,
ideas, information and Chris Henshall, Nick Hunt Tony Beckwith
advice to the creation of Tom Turner,
this guide. Many thanks. University of Greenwich Hamilton Square Malmö Bo01
Wirral Archive Service Sally Lewis
Organisations Richard Mullane,
Design for Homes Quaggy River Wakefield Green
Chris Baines, Catchment Space Strategy
Thames Estuary Case study sources Richard Copas, Robert Pipkin,
Partnership Matthew Blumler Kit Campbell
St Peter’s Ward
Adrian Welsh, Gareth Lawler, Jonathan Minneapolis Park South Essex Green
EDAW Manchester Polley, Jim Davies System Grid Strategy
John Hopkins John Hopkins,
Andy Jackson Landschaftspark Sophie Prosser,
and Thom White, Anneliese Latz Solidaridad Park Catherine Bailey
Heeley Development Trust Sergi Godia
Green Streets
Clive Fox, Tony Hothersall, Peter Westerpark
Groundwork UK Stringer, Chris Johnstone Evert Verhagen,
Michel Firet
Gareth Price, Southey Owlerton
Forestry Commission Miranda Plowden, Justine Greenwich Peninsula
Leach, Andrew Grant, Luke Engleback,
John Vaughan, Lynn Kinnear, Prue Chiles Trisha Gupta
National Community
Forests Partnership Detroit, Michigan Regent’s Park
Anke Hagemann, Jim Theo Moore, Tom Turner
Malcolm Barton, Embry, Kyong Park
Groundwork UK Greater Ashford
Holyhead Copse Development
Mathew Frith, Nerys Jones, Mark Dixon Framework
Peabody Trust Suzi Dutoit,
Park Central Luke Engleback,
Steven Johnstone, George Gardner, Dan Epstein
Heritage Lottery Fund Christine Goldsmith,
Rob Stanton,
Terry Robinson, Kenny Brown,
Countryside Agency Jonathan Webster
Appendix 105
Image credits
Further reading
References