Green infrastructure: connected and multifunctional landscapes

Landscape Institute Position statement We are faced with a wide range of serious environmental, social and economic Foreword challenges; developing housing to meet demographic changes, ensuring that our environments are resilient to a changing climate, maintaining adequate supplies of water, managing flood risk, securing food and energy supplies and safeguarding against biodiversity loss — all of these, and more, need to be considered by anyone concerned with the planning, design and management of our places. The Landscape Institute believes that green infrastructure (GI) represents an approach to land use that has a critical role in meeting many of these challenges. It achieves this through its multifunctional and connected nature and is underpinned by the concept of ecosystem services, an approach which recognises the many benefits that are generated by natural ecosystems. Taking a holistic approach, landscape practitioners are playing a key role in GI delivery in collaboration with other professions. This cross-professional approach can help ensure that GI delivers the wide range of benefits it has the potential to provide. In recognition of the importance of GI, this Position Statement is designed to: — explain the many benefits of GI and the policy objectives it can help achieve; — demonstrate the critical role that landscape practitioners (landscape architects, managers and scientists) have to play in the development of GI; — show how GI works.

The Landscape Institute calls for GI to be afforded the same priority as more conventional infrastructural components; a priority that the concept rightly deserves given its critical role in addressing a wide range of pressing environmental, social and economic challenges.

Neil Williamson Jon Lovell President Chair, Policy Committee

The networks of green spaces, rivers Overcoming this failure — of policy, 01 and lakes that intersperse and connect investment and service delivery — villages, towns and cities are at the relies on the recognition that the natural Introduction heart of our green infrastructure (GI). environment has a critical role to play These elements perform a vast range in sustaining life, and the quality of that of functions and deliver many benefits. life, through the provision of a range Developing GI, a process which involves of different functions. It relies on an Our lives are surrounded and enriched by planning, design, implementation and understanding that these functions are green assets. Some of these, like public management, presents an opportunity to multiplied and enhanced significantly parks, are planned and designed. Others, achieve many social, environmental and when the natural environment is planned such as protected coastlines, may be economic objectives. Its multifunctional and managed as an integrated whole; more natural. Sometimes our green nature, with benefits enhanced through a managed network of green spaces, assets are unintended consequences connectivity, means that GI represents habitats and places providing benefits of other kinds of planning — motorway an approach to the use of our limited land which exceed the sum of the individual verges and railway embankments resource which cannot now be ignored. parts. It is this concept of connectivity provide a network of connected green The value of natural elements in and multifunctionality which makes the spaces. Up until recently, these assets urban and rural environments, and the GI approach such an important part of have generally been thought of in terms economic, social and environmental landscape planning and management. of single functions. Parks were conceived benefits they provide, is beginning to The concern for the natural of as areas for play and recreation. gain recognition. However, there is still environment goes beyond environment Wildlife reserves were places dedicated a widespread lack of awareness of how for environment’s sake. The advocacy to the preservation of particular species. important these assets are, demonstrated of GI delivery in urban and rural Canal towpaths or cycle routes were by the frequent failure to plan, design environments is based on the fact that a planned for leisure or transport use. and manage them appropriately. Natural wide range of challenges depend on both assets are often seen as separate entities its quality and integrity, including: — afterthoughts in the discipline of land — climate change mitigation and use planning which gives priority to adaptation; ‘grey infrastructure’ at the expense of — safeguarding and encouraging the natural environment. This approach biodiversity; fails to recognise the symbiosis between — economic productivity; the quality and connectivity of natural — food and energy security; assets with local environmental — public health and wellbeing; and economic performance. The — social cohesion; result can be a disconnected series — reconnecting people with the natural of inadequately-managed natural environment; elements which deliver far fewer public — sustainable use of a finite land benefits than could be provided. resource; and — the importance of place-making in sustainable communities.

A number of barriers to GI delivery inhibit uptake of an approach which leads to the development of rich, multifunctional places. There are many examples where GI has been successfully delivered throughout the country and multiple benefits have been generated. With an improved understanding of the concept, greater policy support, increased investment and a more collaborative approach, GI should become central to the way we think about and use our land.

Position statement Landscape Institute Green infrastructure: Page 1 connected and multifunctional landscapes 02 Case studies

Five case studies have been chosen to show how multifunctional and connected GI has been 1 2 The North West — Crewe Business Park, delivered, bringing Newlands, Cheshire with it significant The Mersey Forest and Weaver Valley Initiative environmental, social and economic benefits Of all UK regions, the North West of Crewe Business Park in South Cheshire England has the richest track record in is a 27 hectare site at the heart of the the delivery of urban GI. GI has been transport infrastructure for the North a feature of the region’s planning and West of England. GI has played a public policy throughout its journey from central role in its design and it has the world’s first industrial powerhouse received awards for commitment to through its post-industrial transition the environment. It illustrates how towards a services and knowledge-based investment in GI can yield financial economy in the latter decades of the benefits as well as creating space for twentieth century. The North West was biodiversity and informal recreation. This home to Britain’s first publicly funded approach is an excellent example of GI park, Birkenhead Park, created in 1847 and multifunctional land use. At the time by Sir Joseph Paxton as a green lung for it was started, 20 years ago, this was a the heavily-industrialised town. The first radical approach which has been justified Groundwork Trust was established in St by an excellent record of success. It Helens in 1981 as a vehicle to regenerate demonstrates how, despite the relatively a network of derelict, post-industrial recent establishment of the term sites, such as colliery spoil heaps, as ‘green infrastructure’, the underlying GI public open spaces. The Mersey Basin concepts of multifunctional land use and Campaign was established as an connectivity have, in some cases, been a environmental regeneration programme, feature of land use planning, design and predominantly focused on cleaning up management for some time. the then dirtiest river in the world, but simultaneously delivering a wide range of social and economic benefits. Supported by strong regional policy, Newlands, The Mersey Forest and the Weaver Valley Initiative build on this track record, generating far-reaching environmental, social and economic benefits.

Position statement Landscape Institute Green infrastructure: Page 2 connected and multifunctional landscapes 3 4 5 Ingrebourne Hill, London The River Ray Corridor, The Royal Parks, London Swindon

Ingrebourne Hill is a 56 hectare site The River Ray Corridor is a strategically The Royal Parks, London, have developed located in the London Borough of important network in the North West of a demand-led funding approach to Havering, adjacent to the Ingrebourne Swindon. In 1968 the valley of the River ensure that their important contribution River, Hornchurch Country Park and the Ray was described as ‘a major landscape to the environment, economy and communities of South Hornchurch and penetration to the town centre’ linking society is maintained in the future. The Rainham. In the 1950s Ingrebourne Hill it ‘intimately with the Thames Valley approach to their management and changed from being a farm to a gravel and its present and potential regional operations is holistic and considers the extraction site until the 1960s when it was facilities’. Although the vision of the various different demands with which used for landfill. Various different land River Ray Corridor as an outdoor aquatic they are faced. This approach must uses followed on the site until the Forestry park was never realised, forty years on, provide a mechanism which conserves Commission, through the Thames Chase it connects urban Swindon to its rural and enhances the varied character of Community Forest, became involved in fringes and settlements through four all Royal Parks and has relevance to the turning it into a community green space. major open spaces and linear links. The management of other green spaces In 2006, extra funding was made available network is a good example of creating across the country. to develop additional GI on the site. The and developing GI through partnership project illustrates the restoration of a working, with varied funding and brownfield site which has created new community involvement and ownership. habitats for biodiversity and developed It also illustrates how such networks can recreational infrastructure for local develop over time. communities.

Position statement Landscape Institute Green infrastructure: Page 3 connected and multifunctional landscapes Connectivity Ecosystem services 03 Connectivity between different GI Underpinning the multiple functions assets will help maximise the benefits that GI assets perform is the concept Green that they generate. This connectivity of ecosystem services. Health and can be visual or notional; however wellbeing depends on the range of infrastructure physical connections make the most services provided by ecosystems and impact. This connectivity can enhance their constituent parts: water, soils, terminology public engagement with the natural nutrients and organisms. These services environment, improve opportunities include: O ve r v i ew for biodiversity migration and assist in — support: necessary for all other GI includes the network of green spaces encouraging sustainable forms of travel. ecosystem services, e.g. soil formation and other natural elements such as rivers and photosynthesis; and lakes that are interspersed between GI functions — provision: food, fibre, fuel; and connect villages, towns and cities. GI functions are the roles that assets — regulation: air quality, climate control, Individually these elements are GI assets can play if planned, designed and erosion control; and and the roles that these assets play are GI managed in a way that is sensitive to, and — culture: non-material benefits for functions. When appropriately planned, includes provision for, natural features people, including aesthetic qualities designed and managed, these assets and and systems. Each asset can perform and recreational experiences. functions have the potential to deliver a different functions, a concept known as wide range of social, environmental and multifunctionality. GI approach economic benefits. GI approaches to land-use planning Much of this terminology has its Multifunctionality promote the widest range of functions origins in recent work conducted in Understanding multifunctionality is which can be performed by the same North West England. This includes the central to the GI approach to land use asset, unlocking the greatest number approach developed by the North West planning. Where land performs a range of benefits. Such an approach enables Green Infrastructure Think Tank based on of functions it affords a far greater range us to demand more from the land in a work by Susannah Gill and LI-registered of social, environmental and economic sustainable way; by helping to identify practice TEP. benefits than might otherwise be delivered. when it can provide multiple benefits and to manage the many, often conflicting, GI assets pressures for housing, industry, GI assets include the natural elements transport, energy, agriculture, nature which provide social, environmental or conservation, recreation and aesthetics. economic benefit. They can be specific It also highlights where it is important to sites or broader environmental features retain single or limited land use functions. within and between rural and urban areas. A useful approach to outlining the different types of GI asset is to classify them according to the spatial scale at which each would typically be found.

Typical GI assets and their associated scales

Local, neighbourhood and village scale Town, city and district scale City-region, regional and national scale Town, city and district scale City-region, regional and national scale

Street trees, verges and hedges Business settings Regional parks Green roofs and walls City/district parks Rivers and floodplains Pocket parks Urban canals Shoreline Private gardens Urban commons Strategic and long distance trails Urban plazas Forest parks Forests, woodlands and community Town and village greens and commons Country parks forests Local rights of way Continuous waterfront Reservoirs Pedestrian and cycle routes Municipal plazas Road and railway networks Cemeteries, burial grounds and Lakes Designated greenbelt and Strategic Gaps churchyards Major recreational spaces Agricultural land Institutional open spaces Rivers and floodplains National Parks Ponds and streams Brownfield land National, regional or local landscape Small woodlands Community woodlands designations (e.g. AONBs, NSAs and Play areas (Former) mineral extraction sites AGLVs) Canals Local nature reserves Agricultural land Common lands School grounds Landfill Open countryside Sports pitches Swales, ditches Allotments Vacant and derelict land

Position statement Landscape Institute Green infrastructure: Page 4 connected and multifunctional landscapes Water management Recreation and health 04 GI is a good approach for managing As illustrated by all of the case studies flood risk. This can involve placing in this position statement, accessible The benefits of sustainable drainage systems (SUDs) GI provides important opportunities in developments to attenuate surface for informal and active recreation. incorporating green water runoff and enhance biodiversity Ensuring that these assets are provided and recreation. Agricultural land and in close proximity to people’s homes, are infrastructure into wetlands can be used to store flood water maintained properly, and are designed in areas where there is no risk to homes with the needs of local communities in the planning, design and commercial buildings. GI can be mind, is critical to their positive role in used to manage coastal retreat as well as public health and wellbeing. and management to restore wetlands, enhancing carbon sequestration whilst providing important Economic values of landscapes. wildlife habitat. At Ingrebourne Hill, Quality green space can have a major water management has been controlled positive impact on land and property The multifunctional nature of GI assets, through drainage schemes and the markets, creating settings for investment underpinned by ecosystem services, on-site lake, designed to alleviate flooding and acting as a catalyst for wider means that they can deliver a diverse of neighbouring properties and roads. regeneration. Work undertaken by range of benefits which are mutually Natural Economy North West, as outlined reinforcing and can be enhanced by Dealing with waste in the North West case study, is a good the connectivity of these assets. It is GI assets can deal with waste in a illustration of this. High quality, connected important to fully appreciate the many sustainable way. A good example of this environments attract skilled and mobile benefits that GI can generate, including: is the use of reed beds which remove workers which in turn encourage pollutants from water. Historically, waste business investment, as is demonstrated Climate change adaptation has been placed in landfill sites, which at Crewe Business Park. Even modest increases in tree canopy have then been adapted for other GI cover can significantly reduce the urban functions, including wildlife habitats and Local distinctiveness heat island effect via evapotranspiration leisure parks. Many of the sites under Well-designed and managed GI and shading, as well as improving air the Newlands programme, for example, assets, particularly those that engage quality, which often suffers because of use this approach, as has the work at local communities and which relate higher temperatures. This is just one of Ingrebourne Hill. Closed landfill sites are to landscape character and heritage, the features of The Mersey Forest and a legacy which could provide a much can enhance local sense of place and River Ray Corridor scheme. Connectivity greater range of functions if greater foster community spirit. They can be a of GI via wildlife corridors is critical in investment was made available. catalyst for regeneration and stimulate ensuring that biodiversity is safeguarded employment opportunities by attracting in the face of a changing climate and Food production investment and tourism. The Weaver green space can ameliorate surface water Creating space for food production Valley initiative has identified the natural run-off to reduce the risk of flooding. through allotments and community environment as one of the key assets by gardens and orchards, increases access which additional investment and tourism Climate change mitigation to healthy food, provides educational opportunities can be generated. Well-designed and managed GI can opportunities, contributes to food encourage people to travel in a more security and reconnects communities Education sustainable way, such as cycling and with their local environment. Connecting As demonstrated by the River Ray walking. The River Ray Corridor has seen local communities with these assets via Corridor and Ingrebourne Hill, natural the development of cycleways linking footpaths and cycleways can encourage environments which are connected to Swindon with the National Cycle Network this reconnection further. local communities can provide a range and other GI assets. In addition to acting of educational opportunities and assist as carbon sinks, trees and landform Biodiversity enhancement, corridors and in reconnecting society with the natural can reduce energy use for heating and linkages environment; a fundamental prerequisite cooling buildings by shading them in The role of GI in providing wildlife habitat of living within environmental limits, summer and sheltering them in winter. A in both urban and rural areas is well and a cornerstone of the Government’s GI approach to planning can also optimise established, but taking a landscape-scale sustainable development strategy. the potential for efficient, decentralised, approach to the planning, design and renewable energy, improving local management of connected GI assets Stronger communities energy security, providing space for provides the framework within which GI can help in meeting a wide range ground source heating, hydroelectric species migration can more readily occur of community needs. The spirit of power, biomass and wind power. in response to environmental pressures the GI approach means that social, such as climate change. At Ingrebourne environmental and economic potential Hill, a large pond has been developed is considered and optimised. It can be to provide additional wetland habitat a focus for community participation adjacent to the Ingrebourne Valley SSSI. through public management, as well as providing opportunities for education, training, volunteering and capacity building. Ingrebourne Hill, the River Ray Corridor and the Newlands programme provide good examples of this.

Position statement Landscape Institute Green infrastructure: Page 5 connected and multifunctional landscapes 1 2

4 3

5

6

31

16 21

18 19 20

17

30 26

28

29

Position statement Landscape Institute Green infrastructure: Page 6 connected and multifunctional landscapes The Mouth of the Weaver

7 Demonstration of the many ways 8 in which green infrastructure and traditional infrastructure coexist. This example shows some of the functions performed by different GI assets.

9 1 River Mersey – biodiversity, sense of 10 place, tourism 2 Manchester Ship Canal – connections 3 River Weaver – biodiversity 11 15 connections and tourism 4 Former chemical industry lagoon – biodiversity 5 Lagoon/dredging bed – biodiversity 12 13 14 6 Drained estuary marshes, important habitat with hedges and ditch network 7 Large-scale industry, green space 23 between buildings for recreation 8 Nature reserve surrounding power 22 station 9 Bridge – connectivity 10 Lagoon – biodiversity 11 Substation with green setting 12 Ponds used for fishing and biodiversity interest 13 Rowing club – recreation, historic buildings and surroundings 14 Abandoned soap waste lagoons – natural regeneration 15 Ancient woodland fingers 16 Market town – open space and local distinctiveness 17 Gateway to market town – listed building 18 Pathway through industrial estate – 24 connectivity 19 Viaduct – local landmark, historical interest 20 Former chemical works lagoon – 25 biodiversity 21 Sailing club and accessible water front 22 Woodland planted around edges 23 Motorway bridge across Weaver Navigation – views and connectivity 24 Swing bridge – local landmark 25 Weaver Navigation – recreation, connectivity, biodiversity 26 Agricultural land – ridge and furrow, hedges 27 Golf course – recreation, tourism biodiversity on river edge 28 Former dredging beds now reed beds 27 and swamp 29 Weir listed structure – historic interest 30 Riverside Walk 31 Open space urban fringe

Position statement Landscape Institute Green infrastructure: Page 7 connected and multifunctional landscapes The importance of the ELC lies in 05 06 the government-level recognition that landscape needs to be afforded a high The potential for Delivery: policy priority, from government down to the general public. It recognises that the the landscape and funding quality of all landscapes matters, not just the best of them, as they all contribute profession towards environmental, social and economic value. The ELC commits all Landscape practitioners are engaged in There is an increasing understanding signatories to: every stage of the GI approach and are of the social, environmental and — recognise landscape in law; leading a revolution in the way in which economic benefits of green space and — establish and implement policies GI is developed. This includes the other natural components within and aimed at landscape protection, planning of environmental resources, between our settlements. In order for management and planning; the design of new public realm, these benefits to be fully realised, a — establish procedures for the implementation of strategy and the fundamental shift is still required in participation of the public and local management of delivered projects. our approach to land use planning. and regional authorities; and Landscape practitioners have a pivotal At a strategic level this will require the — integrate landscape into regional role to play with other professionals in all embedding of GI policy at the national, and town planning policies and into stages of a GI process, which operates at regional, sub-regional and local level. cultural, environmental, agricultural, all spatial scales. social and economic policies. Landscape practitioners are trained Policy in a broad range of disciplines with There is currently no national policy for As a holistic approach to land use an ability to think holistically and see GI. However some policies provide scope planning which recognises the action the bigger picture. This means that for advancing GI delivery on the ground. and interaction of natural and human the profession understands the many Some contain specific mention of GI factors taking place in a particular area, processes at work which shape the land whereas others may be more implicit in GI is one way of achieving many of and appreciates the need to consider their reference. Additionally, a number the commitments of the ELC. This is potential changes to which a particular of other policy priorities can be achieved particularly the case with regards to the location could be subjected over time. through a GI approach to the way we plan, integration of landscape into cultural, The result is a profession which is design and manage our environment. environmental, agricultural, social and ideally placed to provide the vision and economic polices. tenacity needed for the sustainable International: The European Landscape development of our GI assets. Convention National The European Landscape Convention The multifunctional nature of GI means (ELC), came into force in the UK in that there are a wide range of national, March 2007. It provides a platform for regional and local policies to which it the evolution of land use planning, can contribute. Some policy documents design and management into one acknowledge GI directly or, at the very which is more aligned to the key least, the important role that the natural principles of a GI approach. The main environment has to play in the way we objective of the ELC is to promote approach the land resource. For example: landscape planning, management and protection across Europe, with England the term ‘landscape’ defined as: — PPS1: Delivering Sustainable “An area as perceived by people Development (2005): recognises the whose character is the result of the value of the natural environment to action and interaction of natural and/or economic and social wellbeing. human factors”. — Supplement to PPS1: Planning and Climate Change (2007): underlines the value of GI to ‘urban cooling, sustainable drainage systems and conserving and enhancing biodiversity’. — PPS7: Sustainable Development in Rural Areas (2004): emphasises the role of the planning system in rural areas to ensure the protection and enhancement of the natural environment. — PPS9: Biodiversity and Geological Conservation (2005): sets out how the planning system should contribute to biodiversity and geological conservation. — PPS12: Local Spatial Planning (2008): states that a local planning authority’s ‘core strategy should be supported by evidence of what physical,

Position statement Landscape Institute Green infrastructure: Page 8 connected and multifunctional landscapes social and GI is needed to enable Wales Funding the amount of development for a — Update to Technical Advice Note 12 proposed area, taking account of its (TAN) Design (2008): states that a Capital type and distribution. This evidence local planning authority should give Securing funding for the delivery of GI should cover who will provide the an early indication of its landscape is critical in turning strategy into reality infrastructure and when it will be design expectations. This should and delivering the multiple benefits provided. The core strategy should include the desire to provide for habitat that this approach to land use planning. draw on and in parallel influence connectivity in addition to the intrinsic Sources of capital funding include any strategies and investment plans role of landscape in the sustainable Section 106 Agreements, Housing of the local authority and other management of resources. Growth Funding (including New Growth organisations.’ — TAN 22: Sustainable Buildings (in Point and existing growth area funding), — PPS25: Development and Flood Risk preparation): allows for the integration commercial investment, European (2006): invites responsible parties to of GI. Union funding, Lottery grants, Local make ‘the most of the benefits of GI — Unitary Development Plans – Interim and Multi Area Agreement funding, and for flood storage, conveyance and Development Control Guidance traditional local authority and private sustainable drainage systems (SUDs). on Biodiversity Conservation and sector funding. The Planning Act of — PPG17: Planning for open space, sport Enhancement in Development 2008 (England and Wales), also contains and recreation (2002): requires local Proposals: guidance developed by enabling powers for local authorities authorities to carry out open space individual local planning authorities to apply a Community Infrastructure audits, assessments and develop open are emphasising the importance of GI Levy (CIL) on new developments in their space standards. in that concept plans must protect key areas to support the delivery of vital habitats as well as identifying the site’s infrastructure. The central role that GI has Scotland surrounding GI. to play in supporting communities must — The National Planning Framework 2 — Natural Heritage – A Pathway to be recognised and reflected in increased (NPF2): laid before Scottish Parliament Health 2007 (CCW/WAG): recognises investment via the CIL when regulations in December 2008. Once approved, the connection between GI and come into force. this will guide the spatial development human health. of Scotland until 2030. NPF2 outlines Revenue the importance of Green Networks Northern Ireland Even where initial GI funding has been (the term most often used in Scotland — PPS1: General Principles (1998) secured, it is critical that completed in referring to green infrastructure) — PPS2: Planning and Nature projects receive the necessary funding in the regeneration of post-industrial Conservation (1997) for their ongoing management, often areas of Scotland. Paragraph 94 — PPS8: Open Space, Sport and Outdoor in perpetuity. Though often difficult to highlight the role of a Central Scotland Recreation (2004) secure, sources of revenue funding can Green Network in ‘delivering a — PPS15: Planning and Flood Risk (2006) include income generating opportunities step change in the quality of the to be derived from GI assets, such as environment for people, landscape Even where it is not specifically franchising, licensing and entry fees, and nature’. mentioned GI should still be advocated as endowments, community trusts, — Scottish Planning Policy (SPP11): a means of achieving many current policy commercial investment and traditional Physical Activity and Open Space objectives relating to: local authority funding. (2007): It identifies the potential role — climate change mitigation and It is vital that more funding solutions that open and greenspace can play in adaptation; are made available to the maintenance the drive to make people more active — energy security; and management of GI assets, and create a healthier population. — housing provision; particularly those which should by — Planning Advice Note (PAN) 65: — community cohesion; their very purpose be accessible to the Planning and Open Space (2008): — development of sustainable public at no cost. The Royal Parks has advises on the role of the planning communities; developed a ‘demand-led’ funding system in protecting and enhancing — improving health and wellbeing approach which ensures that evidence existing open spaces and providing — food security; used to support requests for funding high quality new spaces. It sets out — water management; is based upon the actual needs of the how local authorities can prepare open — biodiversity; spaces for which it is responsible. space strategies, gives examples of — transport; and Without adequate investment, GI assets good practice and outlines the need to — play. are restricted in their ability to generate ensure that the aspirations of the local multiple benefits. Such an outcome community are taken into account A full appreciation of the multi- undermines the vital role that GI can when considering local open space. functional nature of green infrastructure play in meeting a range of objectives. means that many of these objectives can It also reinforces the misconception be achieved by the same assets or by a that the natural environment is ‘nice connected network of assets. to have’ rather than a ‘must have’, irrespective of the economic climate.

Position statement Landscape Institute Green infrastructure: Page 9 connected and multifunctional landscapes Barriers and recommendations

Barriers @ Recommendations @ Who should take the lead?

01 A lack of understanding of GI and the National Planning Policy Statements on National governments importance of multifunctional land use GI should be developed to ensure that it is planning and connectivity between a central and formative element of spatial spaces. planning. Such guidance would need consistency in defining GI and provide support for the range of benefits that it can provide, without being too prescriptive.

02 A planning system which does not have Significantly improve the impact of Local National governments sufficient force or resources to turn GI Authority Building Control in post-completion Local Government Association, Convention strategies into completed projects. compliance testing new developments. of Scottish Local Authorities, Northern Ireland Local Government Association Local Authority Building Control departments

03 A shortage of professionals, including Greater investment in cross-professional National governments landscape practitioners, who have the training to encourage improved, joined- Landscape Institute skills needed to plan, design and manage up working between the different Other professional bodies successful GI. disciplines involved in GI planning, design, Employers implementation and management. Academic institutions

04 An increasingly urbanised society has Develop a strong vision and communication Natural England, Countryside Council led to a detachment from the natural strategy for the natural environment with for Wales, Scottish Natural Heritage, environment, which is seen as a place to which to engage with the general public and Environment and Heritage Service — be visited rather than an integral part of with business. Northern Ireland. daily life. National Farmers Union, National Farmers Union Scotland Major food retailers

05 Inadequate investment in the long-term Include robust arrangements for effective Those responsible for GI strategies, including management of GI assets means that implementation and sustainable long-term landscape practitioners benefits are less likely to be realised and/or management in GI strategies Local authority and non-government green deteriorate over time. This in turn leads to Consider the income generating space managers a lack of appreciation of the vast potential opportunities to be gained from GI assets, that these assets offer with a consequent such as biofuels, food production and space lack of investment in the future. for events, so that profits can be reinvested into ongoing maintenance and management.

Adequate resources for GI provision and Local authorities management. Require and enforce GI and Regional development agencies afford it a level of recognition and investment Commercial investors comparable with that of traditional ‘grey’ Other funding bodies infrastructure components (for example, transport, energy, telecommunications), and be the starting point from which other development takes place.

Position statement Landscape Institute Green infrastructure: Page 10 connected and multifunctional landscapes Barriers @ Recommendations @ Who should take the lead?

06 A culture of short term thinking means Integrate GI into related policy agendas National governments that GI, a long term contributor to many such as housing, health, climate change, Regional development agencies environmental, social and economic sustainable transport, tourism and issues, fails to receive sufficient support. recreation.

Inspire clients and employers to consider the Landscape practitioners multiple benefits of a GI approach.

07 Investment is often needed in GI before Develop a national funding stream HM Treasury grow th occurs, therefore planning gain for strategic GI investments through Natural England, Countryside Commission via Section 106 Agreements is not always Comprehensive Spending Review and for Wales, Scottish Natural Heritage, sufficient. annual Budgets. Environment and Heritage Service — Northern Ireland

08 Administrative boundaries can limit Use GI strategies to identify and plan for a Local authorities the area that needs to be considered for multifunctional approach to open space Regional development agencies effective GI implementation. planning, at a sub-regional level where Sub-regional partnerships appropriate.

Use spatially defined GI strategy to inform the Local Development Framework process.

Adopt a GI strategy as a Supplementary Planning Document in each Local Planning Authority area.

Identify the GI resource within local authority areas and put in place measures to overcome any deficit in functionality and benefit delivery.

09 Standards-based approaches to open Better representation of quality of landscape National auditing offices space have in the past tended to place and GI should be included in assessments of Environmental Audit Committee undue emphasis on quantity rather than the performance of local authorities. quality and on single use land allocations rather than rich, multifunctional green space.

10 It is often difficult to quantify the full Increased investment into the economic HM Treasury economic benefits to be gained from benefits of GI, not just green space. Environmental Audit Committee investment in GI. Commercial Investors

Private sector bodies are not widely convinced of the commercial benefits of becoming involved and therefore making land available for multifunctional land use.

Position statement Landscape Institute Green infrastructure: Page 11 connected and multifunctional landscapes Case Studies

1 The North West — Newlands, The Mersey Forest and Weaver Valley Initiative 2 Crewe Business Park, Cheshire 3 Ingrebourne Hill, London 4 The River Ray Corridor, Swindon 5 The Royal Parks, London

Position statement Landscape Institute Green infrastructure: Page 12 connected and multifunctional landscapes Position statement Landscape Institute Green infrastructure: Page 13 connected and multifunctional landscapes Case Study 1: The North West — Newlands, The Mersey Forest and Weaver Valley Initiative

A group of projects in the North West is used to illustrate GI at a range of different “Green Infrastructure is the Region’s levels because of the rich track record of its delivery in the region. life support system — the network of There is however a difference between the way some other regions natural environment components and and the North West have defined GI. green and blue spaces that lies within and

between the North West’s cities, towns

and villages and which provides multiple

social, economic and environmental

benefits.”

Unlike some other definitions that assume GI is a system that overlays only part of the non-built environment, the North West definition shows that GI is ‘everywhere and anywhere’ (North West Green Infrastructure Guide).

The North West Green Infrastructure Guide sets out a five-stage process for GI planning: 1. Partnership and priorities; 2. Data audit and GI resource mapping; 3. Functional assessment; 4. Needs assessment; and 5. Intervention plan.

Projects below illustrate that approach.

Case studies Landscape Institute Green infrastructure: Page 14 Greenconnected infrastructure: and multifunctional connected landscapes and multifunctional social behaviour, Moston Vale is now Connectivity Newlands a significant contributor to the area’s The Moston Vale site design allows easy economic regeneration. It is at the heart access from local areas. Site boundaries of North Manchester’s Housing Market are marked by low fencing which Renewal (HMR) area which falls in the discourage illegal access by vehicles, Newlands is a £59 million land top 5 per cent of the national Index of but which still afford views across the regeneration programme that is Multiple Deprivation (IMD). Through site and encourage people to enter the developing durable, economically viable Newlands, Moston Vale is now a quality community woodland. Consequently community woodland on brownfield setting for investment which is also the whole site is perceived as open and land across the North West region. The critical to its future management. New accessible. The boundaries of the site are programme is a partnership between access, sports and recreation facilities marked by large trees and help to connect North West Regional Development are also serving local communities it with the surrounding areas. Agency (NWDA) and the Forestry and improving their physical The newly established pathway Commission (FC), but works closely environment, health and wellbeing. across the centre of the site links to the with a wider range of partners both surrounding roads and local areas of on a programme scale (Groundwork, Green infrastructure assets housing. There are access points on the Community Forests North West, Land It was recognised at the outset of the site which allow people from a nearby Restoration Trust,) and on a project- Newlands programme that there was a business park to move onto Moston by-project basis (local authority and need to identify sites that could deliver Vale. Street tree planting around the private sector land owners, local the maximum socio-economic benefits Moston Vale site is creating ‘fingers communities, private sector consultants if regenerated. Therefore the Public of outreach’ into the community, and contractors). Newlands is currently Benefit Recording System (PBRS) was drawing people into the site and delivering projects across the North created. This is a bespoke GIS tool that helping to expand the site’s benefits. West, all of which are assisting with the creates needs-based assessments set economic, social and environmental around four categories; social, economic, Benefits regeneration of the region. At present environmental and access. PBRS enables there are seven projects completed or a holistic, evidence-based strategic Climate change adaptation and underway and this case study focuses appraisal which can steer investment, mitigation on one of these, Moston Vale. A GI affording maximum value added per By regenerating areas of brownfield land, approach to land use, planning, design pound spent. This work was undertaken and complementing them with street and management is central to the by registered Landscape Institute greening within the wider communities, programme. practice, TEP. Newlands is helping urban areas across The 21 hectare Moston Vale In the planning and development of the region to prepare for climate change; project in North Manchester has Newlands projects, a wide variety of GI establishing new community woodlands been transformed into a new ‘urban assets is developed and enhanced. The that help to tackle urban heat island countryside’, contributing to the GI assets at Moston Vale include open effect. Re-establishing planting on these Manchester City Region plan to create grasslands, both rough and managed, sites, especially with the importation of better living environments with an small woodland copses, wildflower soil and tree planting, also helps to insure enhanced economic value. A former meadows, pathways, sports ground and the surrounding urban areas against an domestic landfill once blighted by anti- street trees. increased flood risk.

Case studies Landscape Institute Green infrastructure: Page 15 Greenconnected infrastructure: and multifunctional connected landscapes and multifunctional landscapes Biodiversity enhancement, corridors Work on the Newlands sites also helps to Policy and funding and linkages restore community pride and cohesion Newlands delivers against local, regional Two key elements of the site design plans — the projects seeks to unite people in and national strategies including the are natural tree planting and wildflower the local area, and then give them a focal Regional Economic Strategy (RES) and meadows, which both encourage wildlife point where they can meet and hold Manchester, Liverpool and Central back to the site. Better management of community events. Lancashire City regional plans. It also existing tree planting and the general The woodlands that Newlands creates contributes to local HMR Programmes. environment on site will also improve focus on providing the local community £59million of NWDA funding is allocated on-site biodiversity. The connection with with appropriate facilities to encourage to Newlands across a 20 year project the Irk Valley project, which prioritises recreation and healthier lifestyles. At period. Each project has a development biodiversity also links work carried Moston Vale, the football pitch and and management budget set, directly out on the site with activity to promote changing rooms that Newlands installed relating to the needs of the individual biodiversity in the wider area. are an extremely important element of site. For example, the Moston Vale the site. This has enabled a local youth project was funded with £1.69million Economic value football club to re-establish in the area. for the regeneration and 20 years of The ethos of Newlands is to create Pathways have been enhanced by open ongoing maintenance. All Newlands’ durable, economically-viable community planting schemes and lighting, using projects include a legacy fund to ensure woodlands. Through a range of different solar lights. Since the site has been that the site will be well maintained and means, Newlands is encouraging developed, the FC and partners have developed over a 20 year period. Each stimulation in local economies, and organised a number of community site is leased from its owners on a 99 year in turn having an impact on the whole activities on site, from fun days to an lease meaning that the FC will maintain region. Newlands seeks to create zones on-site photography competition, which each of the Newlands’ project for this of influence around project areas that will have also encouraged use of Moston Vale period of time; a commitment that will make it a more competitive choice for for recreation. protect the initial investment in the very local and inward business investment. long term. Newlands is having a positive impact Role of the landscape practitioner on house prices, and both formal and At the planning phase, FC landscape Further information informal research has shown that architects worked with Groundwork Chris Waterfield, Project Officer, Forestry community woodlands can have a Trusts and the site owners on a Commission dramatic effect in this area. There are consultation process with local www.forestry.gov.uk informal reports that house prices have communities to identify feelings, history www.newlands.gov.uk almost trebled since Newlands began and expectations of the project. They work at Moston Vale. However, more incorporated these outcomes into the compelling is the 2005 independent masterplan and identified constraints and District Valuers review, which surveyed opportunities at Moston Vale by working the impact of new community woodland with specialists, from Scott Wilson and development on house prices in the St White Young Green, who undertook site Helen’s area of Merseyside. The increase investigations in soil and hydrology. attributed directly and exclusively to the At the design phase, FC landscape woodland was over £15million. Although architects provided significant input not a Newlands site, this is an excellent into the Forest Design Plan, working sign for the scheme, which develops sites with FC development teams and local on a similar model. partners. They were also responsible for drawing up the final stage of the Stronger communities design. Implementation of the plans saw By regenerating derelict, underused landscape architects drafting the formal and neglected land which, by virtue funding application, working with NWDA of its history sits at the heart of local and the management of the works on site. communities, Newlands is combatting associated social problems such as anti- social behaviour and low-level crime.

Case studies Landscape Institute Green infrastructure: Page 16 connected and multifunctional landscapes sports facilities, woodland, water courses flooding on agricultural land and in the The Mersey Forest and bodies, grassland, heathland and built environment. In addition they reduce moorland, coastal habitats, agricultural temperatures through shading and and Weaver Valley land and allotments. evapotranspiration. The Mersey Forest woodlands have the potential to create Initiative Benefits renewable energy through energy crops The Mersey Forest is a regeneration such as willow and poplar. initiative which goes much further than Likewise Weaver Valley plans habitat planting trees. Through multifunctional creation and creates new links to the The Mersey Forest, England’s largest use of the various GI assets, a wide variety countryside for walking and cycling, Community Forest, has been delivering of benefits has been realised. Praised including re-establishing links to the GI projects in the North West for many as a ‘visionary concept’, the ‘more from water and more sustainable transport years and has taken a pioneering trees’ approach brings a whole range opportunities can be encouraged. There lead in the regional GI strategy and of environmental, social and economic are community-led, small-scale hydro- approaches to climate change. It is benefits to the region. The Forest has schemes being developed in some key one of the leading environmental won the Brian Redhead Award for locations along the River Weaver. Long- regeneration initiatives in the North Environmental Sustainability, created distance trails and cycle routes provide West. Since 1994, through community woodlands that 20% of local people visit recreation and functional routes for and partnership working, it has planted at least once a week and by improving journeys to school and work, with the over 8 million trees and transformed the image of towns and cities sets the specific aim of reducing car dependency. almost 5,000 hectares of land. scene for growth within the region’s £98 The Mersey Forest has also played billion economy. It has achieved all of this Water management a key role in leading the GI intellectual and more through a partnership of local There has always been the risk of flooding debate, hosting consultation events authorities, landowners, the Forestry on the Weaver particularly in Northwich and documents, applying for funding to Commission, Natural England and and this is likely to increase with global further partner working, priority-setting businesses including United Utilities. warming. Restoring floodplains and and sharing good practice and setting up The Weaver Valley Regional Park/ recreating wetlands in the Weaver Valley procurement routes for consultancy and Regeneration Initiative has been will reduce flood risk in downstream implementation projects. identified as a primary regional areas and improve water quality. Habitats The Weaver Valley Initiative regeneration project to deliver image and such as reed beds, fens, ponds wet commenced as a regional park proposal, regeneration benefits to mid-Cheshire woodland and grasslands can be created. hosted by the former Cheshire County and its surrounding area. The Weaver Council, and is a primary regional Valley Strategic framework is a vision for Biodiversity enhancement, corridors and regeneration project aiming to deliver connecting, transforming and energising linkages economic development, environmental the area, to capture the unique sense of The Mersey Forest project is helping improvements and social benefits to mid- place and to drive forward environmental achieve national biodiversity targets. So Cheshire and its surrounding area. The transformation and social renaissance. far, over 2,900 hectares of new woodland Weaver Valley Strategic Framework is a It includes the vision for the way GI can and 800 hectares of wildflower meadow, vision for connecting, transforming and create multifunctional benefits. wetlands and other habitats have been energising the area, to capture the unique created, over 90km of hedgerows have sense of place and to generate the cross- Climate change adaptation and been repaired or planted and more cutting benefits. A GI approach is central mitigation than 110 ponds established – all helping to the strategy and Weaver Valley is The Mersey Forest’s massive planting to restore the natural diversity of the working in partnership with The Mersey of native trees and woodlands, provides region’s wildlife. Weaver Valley will create Forest in progressing the Cheshire sub- for carbon sequestration which can new habitats for animals such as water regional GI strategy. help mitigate further climate change by voles and otters, creating a stimulus absorbing and storing carbon. The trees to improve water quality for people Green infrastructure assets planted can assist in climate change and wildlife. Weaver Woodlands aims An analysis of the area breaks down the adaptation by intercepting and allowing to join up the Weaver Valley’s ancient area’s GI, into 19 types which include the infiltration of rain water into the woodland and will significantly improve parks and formal gardens, outdoor ground, helping to reduce the risk of the sub-region’s ecological network.

Case studies Landscape Institute Green infrastructure: Page 17 Greenconnected infrastructure: and multifunctional connected landscapes and multifunctional landscapes Recreation and health Education required for sound GI planning. This The Mersey Forest Partnership is now The Mersey Forest provides an outdoor also made a valuable contribution to the working closely with health agencies classroom and education centre to deliver developing concept of GI and links it to in the North West to use forestry as a programmes that build on the curiosity the region’s climate change action plan. way of tackling rising coronary disease and energy of young people. A recent Research in 2007, ‘The Economic Value and obesity. This can be achieved by survey of teachers working with The of Green Infrastructure’, provides strong encouraging people to keep active by Mersey Forest to improve school grounds grounds for GI adding value to the North walking, jogging, cycling and taking part found that improved pupils’ behaviour; West’s economy. The need to integrate in other outdoor activities. Research reduced accidents and conflicts within green GI at the sub-regional level with has shown that the project has created the playground, improved image of the sub-regional action plans (SRAPs) is woodland which at least 20% of local school and reduced staff stress levels. acknowledged. The Mersey Forest, on people visit once a week. Weaver Valley behalf of NENW, has commissioned develops the Weaver Way network of The role of the landscape practitioner consultants to prepare a guide to walking and cycling routes, and supports As part of the Weaver Valley Initiative, planning GI at the sub-regional level. This access to the environment, through landscape architects have been involved will be published in 2009. Meanwhile interpretation, visitor facilities, walking since its beginning as staff of the all sub-regions in the North West are routes, guided walks, and detailed leaflets delivery organisations and through GI progressing GI strategies. and guid e s . projects, research and masterplanning projects delivered via consultants. The Further information Economic value programme manager and two other www.merseyforest.og.uk The Mersey Forest has attracted team members are landscape architects. www.weavervalley.org.uk £36million of new investment and been Landscape design and implementation www.naturaleconomynorthwest.com responsible for the development 150 new has involved landscape architects from www.greeninfrastructurenw.co.uk jobs. The Mersey Forest is an important Cheshire County Council, Crewe and Paul Nolan, Director of The Mersey part of the region’s tourist industry, Nantwich Borough Council and practices Forest and Chair of the North West Green contributing towards approximately TEP and Steve Ryder Associates. Other Infrastructure Steering Group 30 million visits to the North West’s professionals involved have included Ian Dale, Weaver Valley Programme woodlands and forests per year. engineers, planners, tourism experts, Manager The Mersey Forest has helped towards heritage and culture specialists, regional image improvement by greening economists and ecologists. Shea O’Neill, Weaver Valley Project key transport routes; concentrating on The Mersey Forest has a landscape Officer land alongside main transport routes, architect as the chair of its board and particularly motorways. It is involved in has employed landscape architects, tackling the substantial areas of neglected landscape planners and landscape and derelict land for which forestry is the managers in key roles in delivery only realistic productive use, through projects. Practices that have undertaken reclaiming land and persuading private consultancy work for The Mersey landowners to establish new woodland Forest have included Cass, TEP, on neglected sites. Gillespies, Land Use Consultants, The Weaver Valley acts as a catalyst Chris Blandford Associates, Casella for the renaissance of the area’s market Stanger and Randall Thorp. towns and villages. The visitor economy will be enriched through individual towns Policy and funding developing their own distinctiveness. A There is policy coverage in the North study of the regeneration initiatives in West, which cascades GI into different Crewe, under taken by TEP, showed the development levels, beyond that potential for GI to realise the town’s stated required from national guidance and top priority need for image improvement law. The North West of England Plan linked with harnessing sustainable – Regional Spatial Strategy (RSS) to growth as a regional town and gateway. 2021 provides for GI and the Regional The development of The Mersey Economic Strategy (RES) calls for better Forest project has enhanced forest alignment of environmental activities and industries and stimulated the markets for economic gain, aligning GI in mitigating local timber. The Forest is also providing negative social and environmental training in forestry skills, rural crafts and impacts. The emerging Regional Strategy land management to help stimulate (RS2010) will integrate economic and local forest industries and prepare the spatial strategies. The indications in workforce for new opportunities. the consultation draft are that GI will be included in a meaningful way. The Natural Economy North West (NENW) report ‘Developing an outline strategy for linking grey and green infrastructure’ (NENW 2008) provides a policy overview of the development of both GI and more conventional infrastructure. The North West Green Infrastructure Guide provides the regional perspective on GI’s component parts, how it can be represented spatially, and steps

Case studies Landscape Institute Green infrastructure: Page 18 connectedGreen infrastructure: and multifunctional connected landscapes and multifunctional Case Study 2: Crewe Business Park

Introduction Green infrastructure assets accessible. Preparations are being made Crewe Business Park in South Cheshire The layout of the park was designed to to gain local nature reserve (LNR) status. is a joint venture between Crewe and follow natural contours and features, Ponds in the business park provide Nantwich Borough Council and the such as water courses, original habitats for protected species and former Cheshire County Council (A new trees and hedgerows and areas of some have been developed to unitary authority, Cheshire East is the ecological importance. The shape give pond-dipping opportunities local authority responsible for this area and orientation of buildings were for education purposes. There are from 1 April 2009). It is located close to designed to blend with the existing footpath routes through and round the the M6 motorway, Crewe mainline train landscape. Landscape management business park, providing pedestrian station, Manchester Airport and 1½ hours was planned and vacant plots and park through-routes and opportunities from London by train. fringes laid to wildflower meadow to for walking and exercising. A green The objectives of the business park provide wildlife habitat. Traditional transport plan is still to be developed. are to create employment, to obtain management methods such as willow Developers of the individual plots capital receipts from the disposal of spiling to the banks of the stream, are encouraged to include rainwater the plots, to maintain a high quality pollarding and hedge laying were used. collection from building roofs to nearby office environment, to raise the profile Natural features on the site include the ponds and to plant native species and of the area, to be a catalyst for inward Valley Brook, a sandy stream which flows include water bodies in the individual investment, to deliver an innovative through the park and is lined by crack building landscape treatments. concept and to provide value for money. willow, alder and oak trees, were retained. Planning the landscape structure to The site is also noteworthy for its species- Connectivity sustain wildlife, creating an attractive rich grassland, which is integrated into The Crewe Business Park GI comprises setting and investing in links with the local the park wherever possible. Hedgerows, natural and enhanced ecosystems community was seen as fundamental to valuable as bird-nesting sites, and wildlife that provide connectivity. These achieving these objectives corridors, are another vital element in the include Valley Brook, which forms the The park’s inception was over 20 development. The many hedgerows on northern boundary of the business park years ago and the approach, which is the park were retained as linear woodland and includes many mature trees and a true exemplar of multifunctional GI, belts in conjunction with new planting hedgerows, the ancient hedgerow and was radical for its time and has been of thousands of native trees and shrubs. ditch, other ditches, reed beds and pond proven a success. The objectives An ‘ancient’ hedge and ditch, which had systems, the wildflower meadows that set out above have been achieved. separated two parishes historically, that were created on vacant plots and on the The park is well-managed through links the Quakers’ Coppice to a water fringe of the business park. Habitats were the service charge, which results in body was preserved within the layout. retained and created to ensure linkages high standards and quality being Quakers’ Coppice, immediately with the adjacent Quakers’ Coppice were maintained. Public access and use for adjacent to the business park, is a 9 maintained. education purposes is encouraged. hectare woodland, designated as a site The business park provides a series of biological interest (SBI) because of of interconnected paths through and its value to ground-nesting birds, native round the site. Pedestrian connections bluebells and two UK biodiversity priority which have no cycling restrictions, are habitats; broadleaved woodland and wet made with the adjacent university halls woodland. It has 8 ponds and is publicly of residence, a health club, the main

Case studies Landscape Institute Green infrastructure: Page 19 Greenconnected infrastructure: and multifunctional connected landscapes and multifunctional landscapes gate to the university and to Quakers’ has been successful in attracting such as protected invertebrates. The Coppice, from which there are further companies to locate to the business management, through Cheshire County footpath connections south past an older park, and therefore the economic rangers’ excels in combining nature industrial estate and to open countryside. value to be gained from investment conservation and its inherent biodiversity Access improvements including a new in GI can be demonstrated. One preservation with education. footbridge and self-closing gate, which business, a precision components firm, help wheelchair users and prams gain cited the quality of the environment Recreation, health and wellbeing access to the site, have been undertaken as a primary reason for locating its From first opening, the site has been recently. A circular route has been created European headquarters at Crewe. popular with walkers and with office to discourage random trampling in areas workers for lunchtime exercise. Healthy of ground-nesting birds, way markers, Climate change adaptation and living walks are organised through interpretation board and tactile signage mitigation the site. The site provides an off-road has been added and the bird-hide has The wildlife corridors retained and link from Manchester Metropolitan been refurbished. created are important for species University (MMU) halls of residence, built migration. The site incorporates water more recently on the adjacent site with Economic value bodies, some of which are used for the main university entrance and the The business park has generated over drainage purposes and developers are town centre. £4.5 million in capital receipts and encouraged to collect rainwater from created over 2,800 jobs. Companies on the buildings into the natural systems. Stronger communities the site include Fujitsu, DEFRA, Health A comprehensive sustainable urban Whilst attracting large blue chip Shield, Focus DIY, Wulvern Housing, Air drainage system (SUDs) was not part companies to the area, the management Products, Red Eye International and Kids of the original design, as the scheme also aimed to maintain links with the local Unlimited. pre-dates more sustainable approaches community. The public are welcome to It offers a high quality office to drainage. However, adjacent enjoy the open spaces and country walks environment, which is the reason for developments have incorporated SUDs. around the business park, even though some businesses choosing to locate In the era of the site’s planning, over it is designated as private land. Local here. One high-tech occupier said they 20 years ago, there was less importance school visits and pond-dipping events had chosen to move to Crewe Business attributed to the need to plan for more are organised by the countryside rangers, Park because they needed to present sustainable approaches to travel and the local agricultural college students a good image to visitors from affluent energy production. Access to the site by designed one of the roundabouts as a countries such as America, Japan, and car is still high and a green transport plan competition and a local school has its Germany as well as the unique ecological is to be developed. own wild flower garden. The on-site policy being appropriate for its business. security personnel have become The Park has received local and national Biodiversity enhancement interested and involved in the nature recognition and has been the catalyst Landscape planning from the outset was conservation aspects and on-site species for spin off developments nearby such designed with biodiversity enhancement surveys. Interpretation is provided as Manchester Metropolitan University in mind. The design of both the structural throughout the natural areas. South Cheshire Faculty. GI and that of the individual plots aims Crewe’s ecological policy and the to enhance species diversity and to development of the business park ensure habitats are retained for rarities

Case studies Landscape Institute Green infrastructure: Page 20 connected and multifunctional landscapes Role of the landscape practitioner Policy and funding Future Plans The borough landscape architect was The costs of the infrastructure and The local authorities invested in a involved in the initial planning of the site, proceeds from disposals were shared on successful international marketing working as part of a multi-disciplinary a 50/50 basis between the two authorities. campaign to attract occupiers as the team including engineers, planners, The capital input to include the land low density, high-tech end use made estates surveyors and basing site element and infrastructure has amounted sites more expensive per square meter layout requirements on ecological to around £1.75million. Both authorities than some others in the area. The local surveys provided by the, then, Cheshire pooled their joint land resources and authorities have continued to ensure Conservation Trust. Landscape additional farmland was purchased. the management, maintenance and management was considered from The purpose behind Crewe monitoring is on going for the business the outset and throughout the Park’s Business Park was to provide B1 (office) park. Funding applications have been development regular meetings have employment within the borough, at submitted and council funding provided taken place involving the two authorities the same time realising capital receipts for works that will improve habitats and with representatives from estates, from the disposal of the plots on a long accessibility to the adjacent Quakers’ rangers and a landscape architect, where lease (125 year) basis with the payment Coppice, marking its key contribution to the wildlife and management issues have of a service charge by the occupiers to the Valley Brook corridor and is part of a been discussed and agreed. The GI for all manage and maintain the business park. wider network of open spaces in a town phases was worked up in a masterplan The Park was designed to move that is disadvantaged in terms of access that was implemented incrementally. Crewe forwards in response to the to natural places. The borough landscape architect economic shift from heavy industry to designed and supervised the high technology and service sectors. The Further information implementation of all aspects of the landscape was planned to sustain wildlife Ruth Conley, Landscape Architect, landscape in the ‘greenway’ area, habitats whilst creating opportunities to Cheshire East Council which consisted of all the structural, improve the well being of the borough. Allan Leah, Landscape Architect, off-plot landscape works. The borough Cheshire East Council landscape architect with responsibility www.cheshireeast.gov.uk for development control has also had a role in pre-application discussions with any new companies wanting to locate on the business park with regard to the plot- specific landscape — encouraging native planting and water bodies.

Case studies Landscape Institute Green infrastructure: Page 21 connected and multifunctional landscapes Case Study 3: Ingrebourne Hill, London

Introduction of the site as part of the Thames elements of zoning to help separate the Ingrebourne Hill is a 56 hectare site Chase Community Forest. The final conflicting interests of different user located in the London Borough of agreement is an innovative public/private groups, for example excluding people Havering, adjacent to the Ingrebourne partnership between IVL and the FC. The on foot from the mountain bike area, or River, Hornchurch Country Park and the FC and its partners delivered Phase1 (24 horses from the majority of hard paths. communities of South Hornchurch and hectares) of this project in 2003. In 2006 The high level of public access and Rainham. In the 1950s Ingrebourne Hill Communities and Local Government’s, recreation is carefully dovetailed into changed from being a farm to a gravel Thames Gateway Delivery Unit the environmental and ecological extraction site until the 1960s when offered £1million of funding to develop requirements. Areas that are less it was used as a landfill. Through the additional GI on the site over and above accessible due to establishing trees offer 1970s and 1980s the landfill site was the requirements set by the planning good habitats where there is reduced also intermittently used by travellers for conditions. The project aim was to restore disturbance. grazing their animals. In the late 1990’s a brownfield site to create suitable new the Civil Engineering firm CJ Pryor set habitats adjacent to the Ingrebourne Connectivity up Ingrebourne Valley Limited (IVL) to Valley Local Nature Reserve (SSSI) and Ingrebourne Hill is located within the acquire the land. IVL received planning develop recreational infrastructure to Ingrebourne Valley, the most significant permission to carry out a second consolidate existing GI at the adjacent geographical feature in Havering, restoration of the site by adding inert Hornchurch Country Park. extending 15km between Harold Hill in material over the existing waste and the north to the River Thames. The site finishing the ground to create a public Green infrastructure assets provides a section of the London Loop greenspace. As a result of the added The GI assets at Ingrebourne Hill long distance footpath that runs along material, the landform is distinctly higher include meadow and grassland areas, the edge of the Ingrebourne River almost than its surroundings and consequently hedgerows, a range of tree planting along its full course. offers commanding views over the areas (high forest, low forest and shrubs), Ingrebourne Hill forms part of the East Thames to the south, as well as along screen and security planting for nearby London Green Grid (ELGG), as identified the Ingrebourne River. Much of the homes and a large pond providing in Part 3 of the Areas Framework for marsh land surrounding the adjacent additional wetland habitat adjacent to the Thames Chase, Beam and Ingrebourne. Ingrebourne River is waterlogged, Ingrebourne Valley SSSI. Ingrebourne Hill fulfills specific Green presenting the site with specific habitat Grid objectives through improvement of opportunities in addition to some Multifunctional land use an existing site for local benefit and use drainage issues. The elevation drops to Ingrebourne Hill is a green space with a as well as enhancing local connectivity. the site’s southern boundary where there good balance between wildlife habitats The site is one of the 42 sites that form the is a large pond. and community space. Public access is Thames Chase Community Forest, which The Forestry Commission (FC), actively encouraged and ranges from covers 40 square miles of green belt land through the Thames Chase Community walkers and cyclists to horse riders. The around East London and South West Forest, became involved in the project provision of a mountain bike trail has also Essex. Within the Community Forest the to turn the site into a community helped to engage teenage groups. FC has established and manages 10 sites greenspace for increased public benefit The provision of hard and soft paths covering approximately 532 hectares. and entered into negotiations over helps to provide access throughout Ingrebourne Hill offers a direct the long-term use and management the site. The site design incorporates connection into Hornchurch Country

Case studies Landscape Institute Green infrastructure: Page 22 Greenconnected infrastructure: and multifunctional connected landscapes and multifunctional Park to the north where there are links to flooding to neighbouring properties and — Rights of Way Improvement Plans and further Community Forests sites such roads. Grass and tree establishment will links to open access areas; as Berwich Glades and Woods. There is increase precipitation infiltration into the — provision of picnic spots and rest continuing development in this area to soil, reduce rainwater run-off rates and points; regenerate more brownfield sites that will thereby lower the risk of local flooding. — a variety of natural play elements as further enhance local connectivity. well as more formal play structures; and The Thames Gateway falls just to Biodiversity enhancement, corridors and — a community events space. the south of Ingrebourne Hill. However, linkages there is direct connection through foot Ingrebourne hill provides habitat Economic value and cycle access and local bus services. connectivity along the Ingrebourne Valley Ingrebourne Hill Contributes to existing The provision of car parking on site SSSI at a landscape scale. It also secures tourism by providing new attractions and enables access to and from the Gateway. additional habitats suitable for great links between them. Additional tipping Pathways have been developed linking crested newt, water vole, grass snakes, of inert fill to create landform over landfill the site to surrounding residential other reptiles and invertebrates. Skylark both created jobs and boosted business communities and 3km of grass horse is also now regularly found throughout income, as well as modelled best practice trails connect to surrounding bridleways. the year on the open grassland habitats. in restoration procedure. This in turn gave 2.1km of cycle trails connect to the The site also acts as a robust buffer confidence to the local planning authority surrounding communities, including between the existing surrounding built that landfill restoration to a high standard shops and places of employment. environments and the Ingrebourne Valley is achievable and financially viable. SSSI, as well as suitably located vantage Benefits points for users to enjoy the SSSI from a Stronger communities distance, minimizing disturbance. The creation of a permanent green space Climate change adaptation and has ended the inconvenience of living mitigation Recreation, health and wellbeing next to a quarry and landfill site. This has Combined with the other Thames The scheme provides GI to approximately given reassurance to local people that Chase sites, woodlands created in the 12,500 people directly adjacent to the future development is highly unlikely. community forests over the last ten neighbouring community of South General fly-tipping and vandalism years to the east of London will make Hornchurch and approximately have reduced, mostly due to the ‘self- a contribution to carbon fixation. The 134,000 people within a 4km catchment. policing’ that comes with increased local scheme also ameliorates the anticipated This provides opportunities for community use. The site provides a focal impact of climate change especially in exercise through walking and cycling point for meeting and engaging with regards to liveability on a personal level routes connecting surrounding other local residents. Recent research as it provides local communities with a communities and places of work. demonstrates that 77% of visitors live cool, pleasant place to relax as the trees Recent research demonstrated that within 2 miles of the site, and a further establish. over 90% of visitors came to the 20% within 6 miles site to exercise, encouraged by: Water management — 4.1km of stone footpath trails, of which Role of the landscape practitioner Water management has been enhanced 0.9km are suitable for all abilities in At the planning phase, FC landscape through drainage schemes and the addition to open access throughout architects were involved in options- on-site lake, designed to alleviate the grass areas of the site; testing for drainage, public access,

Case studies Landscape Institute Green infrastructure: Page 23 Greenconnected infrastructure: and multifunctional connected landscapes and multifunctional landscapes woodland design, recreation and relating to aim 4 ‘Quality of Life’. It also Further information habitat creation. Working with cultural delivers outputs identified within key Roger Worthington, Landscape Architect, heritage advisors, ecologists and soil national and regional strategies, such as Forestry Commission scientists, the landscape architects Communities and Local Government’s Tristram Hilborn, Team Leader, Thames developed the masterplan and created ‘Transforming Places; Changing Lives, Chase and Gateway, Forest Commission visual presentations to secure funding a framework for regeneration’, and www.forestry.gov.uk of £1million. They were also responsible ‘Regeneration and Sustainable Growth’. for final submission of the planning Although Ingrebourne falls just application. outside the Thames Gateway area, At the design phase, landscape Communities and Local Government architects worked with a range of awarded £1million of funding based on specialist consultants, designers and the benefits that this project would bring community workers to develop artwork to local communities including those and interpretation for the site, recreation within the Gateway. designs and the Forest Design Plan. At As with a number of other GI initiatives implementation, landscape architects of this kind, there is no revenue funding worked with FC civil engineers to develop for the maintenance and management contract documentation for tendering. of Ingrebourne Hill. This will have to Also, in collaboration with civil engineers be funded from existing FC budgets. and contractors, landscape architects The cost is estimated at around £1,000 were responsible for the installation of per hectare per year; approximately site entrances, trail layouts and furniture £56,000 per year for Ingrebourne Hill. In and signage locations. The issue of some instances this funding difficulty is ongoing management of the site involved impacting on the organisation’s ability to landscape architects working with contribute to future GI projects. foresters to develop site management plans which are designed to ensure that Future plans the objectives of the project continue to The FC now has a 99 year management be delivered. agreement with the site owner, with land being handed over in three phases after Policy and funding restoration. Phase one (24 hectares) was The development of the Forest is driven completed in 2003, phase 2 (21 hectares) in part by the Thames Chase Plan. This completed in 2008 with the final phase (11 provides national & local contexts as hectares) due for completion in 2010-2011. well as policy frameworks, and a forest It is likely that further brownfield sites strategy. The plan is a non-statutory to the north of Ingrebourne Hill will at a document that draws its strength from later date be restored to provide access the statutory plans that it embraces and to additional GI along the Ingrebourne complements. Valley area. The London Borough of Ingrebourne Hill has also been Havering has expressed an aspiration developed in the context of the ELGG in the future to develop a bridge across initiative. This initiative complements the the Ingrebourne River to allow residents aims and objectives of the Thames Chase from Rainham to access the site from the Community Forest. Ingrebourne Hill falls southeast. under part 3.2 ‘Ingrebourne Valley and Community events will continue to Quarry Landscapes’ of the ELGG area promote the site, engage local schools framework and was identified as a phase to use the area as a green classroom 1 project. Ingrebourne fulfills the ELGG and encourage self-led events and aims by helping to provide connectivity to activities. Maintenance will continue surrounding sites within the Community under the management of the Forestry Forest and also enhances the quality of Commission Thames Chase office to the existing space for local communities. benefit the community and wildlife while The development of Ingrebourne Hill at the same time continuing to develop meets key objectives within the strategy the site as funding opportunities occur. and delivery plan for England’s Trees, Woods and Forest (ETWF), in particular

Case studies Landscape Institute Green infrastructure: Page 24 connected and multifunctional landscapes Case Study 4: The River Ray Corridor, Swindon

Introduction Identification of the green will allow for species migration in the face The River Ray Corridor is a strategically infrastructure assets of a changing climate. Approximately important network in the North West The River Ray Corridor consists of a 90,000 new trees have been planted at of Swindon. The River Ray as the range of GI assets. These include Purton Purton Woods and Shaw Forest Park nucleus of a ‘Circular Water-side Park Woods, owned by the Woodland Trust, alone. The development of the River Ray Belt’ was initially identified in Planning planted 10 years ago on agricultural Parkway as well as Sustrans Route 45 will for Swindon, a report prepared for the land. ‘The Tree for All’ programme saw encourage more sustainable forms of Post War Planning sub committee in the planting of over 6,000 trees in 2005 transport such as walking and cycling. 1945. In 1968 the valley of the River Ray on the site. It also includes Rivermead, a was described as ‘a major landscape wildlife-rich open space incidental with Water management penetration to the town centre’ linking the development of Rivermead industrial Recently, a reed bed system to filter it ‘intimately with the Thames Valley estate. Mouldon Hill Country Park is a surface water containing low level and its present and potential regional new and developing asset with links to contaminants running off Shaw forest facilities’. There was recognised potential the North Wiltshire Canal and Swindon Park has been designed for Swindon to integrate this major open space to Cricklade Steam Railway, serving the Borough Council by The Wild Fowl Trust feature with the open space network North West of the town. Finally, Shaw at Slimbridge Construction started in of the existing town, the Hreod Burna Forest Park, a former landfill site, has March 2009. Parkway by way of Moulden Hill and been transformed into Swindon’s only Rodbourne Green. Although the vision urban forest. The Park is a flagship for the Biodiversity enhancement, corridors and of the River Ray Corridor as an outdoor Great Western Community Forest. linkages aquatic park was never realised, 40 years The Corridor, particularly around Shaw on it connects urban Swindon to its rural Assets providing connectivity Forest Park and the Thames Water fringes and settlements through four Within the River Ray Corridor, Lagoon is now a noted stronghold for major open spaces and linear links. The connectivity has been enhanced via a several protected and threatened species network is a good example of creating number of GI assets, including the River including otters and wetland birds such and developing GI through partnership Ray Parkway, an off-road greenway for as the snipe, greenshank, reed bunting working, multiple funding streams, walkers and cyclists. Sustrans Route and a new population of little egrets. As community involvement and ownership. 45 follows the River Ray Parkway and such, County Wildlife Site designations It also illustrates very well how such links Swindon to the National Cycle in the area are to be extended to include networks develop over time. Network. The Thames Water Lagoon new sites. Nature Reserve is designated as a County Wildlife Site and connects with the River Recreation and health Ray itself. Sustrans volunteers and BTCV have been involved in upgrading and maintaining Benefits Route 45 and working with the Great Western Community Forest to establish Climate change adaptation and a walking trail, sponsored by Timberland mitigation UK and the Primary Care Trust, The connectivity between the GI assets connecting Swindon to Purton. This work as demonstrated in the River Ray Corridor in itself can contribute towards the health

Case studies Landscape Institute Green infrastructure: Page 25 Greenconnected infrastructure: and multifunctional connected landscapes and multifunctional landscapes and wellbeing of local volunteers, in case of ‘Active Too’ this involved people that will pass to the Parks Section. Other addition to the subsequent opportunities with long term disabilities and those with professions involved in the planning, for health and recreation that this work few or no qualifications. design, implementation, management delivers. The links between Swindon and maintenance of the GI process itself and the GI assets of the River Role of the landscape practitioner include hydrological and civil engineers. Ray Corridor have reconnected local Currently the borough’s landscape communities with natural environments. architects are working in close Policy and funding collaboration with The Forward Planning The River Ray Corridor responds to a Economic values Section on the delivery of the GI strategy number of national planning policies, The project has also supported the and will be writing the GI supplementary notably PPS9: Biodiversity and development of sustainable economic planning document (SPD) which forms Geological Conservation in addition opportunities, such as local farm shops, part of the Core Strategy. to PPG17: Planning for Open Space, agri-environment schemes and organic Recently landscape architects have Sport and Recreation. The project farming. been involved in designing many has not been funded as an entity, of the components of the River Ray however the sources of funding are Education Parkway in particular the Borough diverse and include England’s Rural Field work using the site is now Council’s landscape architects have Development Programme, Woodland embedded within mainstream been and continue to be involved in the Grant Scheme, Countryside Agency educational activities at Nova Hreod masterplanning and detailed design and Programme (Timberland Trail), School, a secondary school where the delivery of Mouldon Hill Country Park developer contributions via s106 Forest Schools programme have been and Shaw Forest Park. The River Ray of the Town and Country Planning successfully targeted at children. restoration was lead by the Wiltshire Act, community based grants, the Wildlife Trust in liaison with Swindon charitable sector, Tipping Income and Stronger communities Borough Council landscape architects, capital funding from local Councils. Many thousands of people have been the Environment Agency, Thames Water actively involved over the past decade and local communities and volunteers. Further information or so in practical landscape and habitat The Environment Agency’s consultant Charlotte Riggs, Principal Landscape enhancement works across the area. landscape architect Anthony Stiff Architect, Swindon Borough Council Several local community-based groups Associates designed and administered www.swindon.gov.uk are now self-sustaining and continue to the project. W S Atkins provided specialist take an active role in the management hydrological design. of several of the sites including the At implementation landscape coppice woodland management group architects have written specifications at Peatmoor, and community wardens at and administered contracts for the Rivermead. The Wiltshire Wildlife Trust’s River Ray Restoration, Mouldon Hill ‘Active Too’ programme, part based in and Shaw Forest Park. Landscape the area, has recently received a Goldstar architects have also been involved in award from the Cabinet Office as an writing management and maintenance exemplar of volunteer involvement for plans for those parts of the site within people at risk of social exclusion. In the Swindon Borough Council’s ownership

Case studies Landscape Institute Landscape Institute Green infrastructure: Page 26 Greenconnected infrastructure: and multifunctional connected landscapes and multifunctional Case Study 5: Royal Parks Management and Operations Plans

Introduction The Royal Parks are owned by the Operations Plans The 2,000 hectares of historic parkland Sovereign and managed by The Royal The Operations Plan contains the that constitute London’s eight Royal Parks Parks, an executive agency of the annual Action Plan for the Park and are among London’s most well known Department for Culture, Media and records progress made in the previous green spaces, providing recreation for Sport. They have a balanced and holistic year. The format was developed in millions of people each year. The Royal approach to their management and 2005 and uses the Green Flag Award Parks are a good example of GI in action, operations which considers the various Criteria. The Plan contains information with benefits including: demands they face. This approach from the Management Plan, The — health and wellbeing through, for provides a mechanism which conserves Royal Parks’ Corporate Plan and example, sports, walking, cycling and and enhances the varied character of other Royal Parks’ documents. recreation; each Royal Park. The Royal Parks is A key feature of the plans is the — tourism and economic value, with funded by central government with annual visitor survey which has been restaurants and cafes; a requirement to generate additional conducted for each of the parks since — formal recreation, community income. This is done through licences to 1994. The surveys ask visitors about their activities and events such as concerts cafes, sports and recreation businesses, satisfaction with the park environment, and shows; and additional events. facilities provision, information and — important site for ecology and The Royal Parks’ landscape staff. This information is converted biodiversity; development and design manager has into key performance indicators which — water management; built on work previously undertaken by allow The Royal Parks to compare the — heritage preservation; Land Use Consultants and developed quality of the visitor experience year- — play; management and operations plans. on-year and to identify ‘Action Areas’ — climate change adaptation and These plans are produced for each of the for improvement. This means that The mitigation; and Royal Parks and are developed to meet Royal Parks can, as far as possible, follow — amenity value for the whole local character and needs. a ‘demand-led’ approach to funding community. which provides evidence for funding Management Plans requests and ensures that investment Each management plan includes: is made in appropriate areas of the — summary background to the Park, park maintenance and management including a description of wider programme. For example, cycling environment and strategic framework; provision and facilities have been — a short description of the Park, improved as a result of public demand, identifying the main management encouraging visitors to cycle to the parks issues; rather than drive. — a vision for the Park; — objectives and actions which are Further information intended to achieve the vision, some Ruth Holmes, Landscape Development applying to the entire Park, others to and Design Manager, The Royal Parks specific areas within the Park; and www.royalparks.org.uk — implementation summary, including monitoring systems.

Case studies Landscape Institute Green infrastructure: Page 27 connected and multifunctional landscapes The Landscape Institute Policy Committee Roger Butler CMLI Clare Brockhurst FLI Annie Coombs FLI* Richard Copas CMLI* Sue Evans CMLI Noel Farrer CMLI Martin Kelly FLI* Val Kirby CMLI Jane Knight CMLI Jon Lovell CMLI (Chair) Ian Philips CMLI RTPI* Paul Tiplady CMLI RTPI Peter Wilder CMLI

*The Landscape Institute would particularly like to thank those members of the Green Infrastructure Working Group for their time and dedication to the production of this position statement. The LI would also like to thank case study contributors and all those members who took part in the consultation exercise. The policy section of the Landscape Institute’s website is regularly updated with news and information on GI. landscapeinstitute.org/policy

© April 2009

The Landscape Institute 33 Great Portland Street London W1W 8QG T: 020 7299 4500 F: 020 7299 4501 E: [email protected] landscapeinstitute.org

Registered Charity 1073396

The Landscape Institute is an educational charity and chartered body responsible for protecting, conser ving and enhancing the natural and built environment for the benefit of the public. It champions well-designed and well-managed urban and rural landscape. The Institute’s accreditation and professional procedures ensure that the designers, managers and scientists who make up the landscape architecture profession work to the highest standards. Its advocacy and education programmes promote the landscape architecture profession as one which focuses on design, environment and community in order to inspire great places where people want to live, work and visit.

Publication design: Badrock Design

Position statement Landscape Institute Green infrastructure: Page 28 connected and multifunctional landscapes Picture credits Front cover Grif fin Woods: The Mersey Forest Team Inside front cover Crewe Business Park: Annie Coombs Page 2 Moston Vale: Newlands Crewe Business Park: Annie Coombs Page 3 Ingrebourne Hill: The Forestr y Commission Rivermead, The River Ray Corridor: Great Western Community Forest, Regents Park: The Royal Parks Page 6 and 7 The Mouth of the Weaver: The Weaver Valley Initiative, Cheshire West and Chester Council Pages 12 and 13 Crewe Business Park: Annie Coombs Page 14 Moston Vale: Newlands Page 15 Moston Vale: Newlands Page 16 Moston Vale: Newlands Page 17 The Mersey Forest: Mike Rober ts Page 19 Crewe Business Park: Annie Coombs Page 20 Crewe Business Park: Annie Coombs Page 21 Crewe Business Park: Annie Coombs Page 22 Ingrebourne Hill: Forestry Commission Page 23 Ingrebourne Hill: Forestr y Commission Page 25 River Ray Corridor: Great Western Community Forest Shaw Forest Park: Swindon Borough Council. Page 26 River Ray Corridor: Thames Water Lagoon, Great Western Community Forest Page 27 St James’s Park: The Royal Parks Hyde Park: Giles Barnard Page 28 and 29 Royal Parks: St James Park – Ed Parker Landscape Institute Case studies Landscape Institute Page 30 Green infrastructure: connected and multifunctional