Opportunities for Environmental Infrastructure in Response to the Objective Using the information on house value, satisfaction and crime along with an understanding of the potential housing locations, we can identify on the map below the areas where environmental infrastructure interventions would have the greatest influence on meeting the objective of creating high quality residential areas.
Environmental interventions in housing area could take many forms and would potentially have maximum benefit from driving public realm design. This could include street trees, SUDS (urban wetlands/rain gardens) and green roofs as well as conventional greenspace. It is essential that existing green space is retained through the regeneration process and that new provision is also made in order to increase local provision and strengthen the wider network.
EIG Principles Areas with well maintained green space are more likely to have high approval ratings. Green space also helps to improve the values of buildings and contributes to community cohesion, as such: • Multifunctional environmental infrastructure should be a central consideration early in master planning stage of development
Fogure 9: Priority areas for environmental infrastructure to support sustainable neighbourhood
ENVIRONMENTAL INFRASTRUCTURE 51 GUIDANCE – MAIN REPORT Objective 3: Creating The Situation in the Black Country Case Study: The Prague- Sustainable Links With the M5 and M6 motorways, as well as Vienna Greenway several other major roads, road transport Ensuring that communities are well served dominates movement in the Black Country. There through sustainable links to residential is also a significant passenger rail network and services and employment opportunities major freight rail routes running through the sub- Contribution of Environmental region. The location of the proposed regeneration Infrastructure to the Objective corridors takes advantage of the opportunities Environmental infrastructure can provide that this major infrastructure network presents. transport links, as is the case of the Black Transport modelling 18 undertaken for the Black Country’s extensive canal network; however, Country Core Strategy suggest that preferred perhaps the greatest opportunity is to create spatial option should not result in additional cycling and walking routes that support green car journeys and although journeys may be corridors. Attractive green networks, shaded longer there should be an overall reduction in by trees, can encourage greater use of car dependency. Improving cycling and walking cycling and walking routes so long as routes opportunities would further alleviate dependency are safe and directly link communities to the on cars. The Core Strategy advocates this stating services and employment that they can use that ‘new development needs to demonstrate that as alternatives to driving cars or taking public there will not be significant impacts on transport transport. Environmental networks’ and ‘peak demands to be met primarily through public transport, cycling and walking’. Access to more sustainable transport options not only help to reduce CO2 emission and air The Black Country already has several important Image: http://farm1.static.flickr.com/53/117260972_e1968fab37.jpg cycle routes, including two National Cycle Routes. pollution, but can also play an important role Consideration should be given to fuller integration in promoting healthy lifestyles. Green links Description with, and promotion of, other national routes. and corridors are also important in developing The Prague-Vienna Greenway is 250-350 The trail has also helped showcase There are also plans to create a much more functional ecological networks, which make kilometre network of trails and country the region’s biodiversity. A number of extensive network, as shown in the map below. the landscape more permeable for wildlife. routes that allow for a variety of sustainable UNESCO Biosphere reserves are located Opportunities should be sought to link these Environmental infrastructure can also reduce forms of transportation, providing options along the route, as is the National Park route with environmental infrastructure initiatives. some of the negative impacts of vehicular and for safe transportation and recreation while Podyji and Dyje River. There are also additional opportunities offered promoting healthier lifestyles. Walking by the canal towpaths. Although numerous rail routes, providing screening, safety barriers Key Delivery Drivers and noise filtration, as well as improving air trails travel through towns and villages, towpath routes are accessible, there are others • A group of concerned that are currently not useable or undesirable. quality. while cycling routes are marked on smaller country roads. Visitors can also canoe down conservationists formed a not-for- Opportunities to expand these would further rivers, or even ride horseback in a few profit organisation, Greenways/ improve the opportunity to establish sustainable places. A group of conservationists created Zelene stezky (GWZS) following the links. Long distance footpaths are popular with the Prague-Vienna Greenways following the 1989 Revolution tourists and the possibility of promoting Black 1989 Revolution. They formed a not-for- Country connections with long distance routes • Following the Hudson River Valley profit organisation, creating a partnership should be explored. One possibility is a feeder Greenway Model, they created a of twelve towns, which encouraged and route to the River Severn path and other routes to partnership of twelve mayors and supported the group’s grass roots initiatives. the sea. towns
52 18. PRISM Black Country Joint Core Strategy Transport Technical Document Report (2009) Surprisingly, despite having the least dedicated infrastructure, and the most people working more than 20km away from home, more people cycle or walk to work in Wolverhampton (12.8%) than the other authority areas. Both Walsall and Sandwell are in the third lowest quartile for cycling and walking to work (12.1% and 12% respectively) and Dudley is in the bottom quartile at 10%. 19 This demonstrates a desire to use cycling and walking despite a lack of ideal infrastructure. Providing additional facilities would support greater uptake of cycling and walking. The map below shows the areas where there is the greater participation in cycling and walking. It highlights that the regeneration corridors are largely in areas where there is low cycling and walking participation. As these are the areas of greatest change within the Black Country, this presents an excellent opportunity to develop a co-ordinated cycle and walking network delivered through the provision of environmental infrastructure.
Fogure 9: Priority areas for environmental infrastructure to support sustainable neighbourhood
19. ONS Census % of the resident population who travel to work by public transport (2001) ENVIRONMENTAL INFRASTRUCTURE 53 GUIDANCE – MAIN REPORT To most effectively contribute to the objective, sustainable transport routes should directly link communities with the services they use. The map below shows the location of key social infrastructure and highlights those that are not easily accessible via dedicated walking or cycling routes. Again it demonstrates that Wolverhampton could benefit from additional routes, and as such provides opportunities for these to be delivered in conjunction with or through environmental infrastructure. There are also numerous examples of social infrastructure elsewhere in the sub-region which is not easily accessible by walking or cycling.
Figure 11: Use of Sustainable Transport
54 Figure 12: Access to Social Infrastructure in relation to Green infrastructure
ENVIRONMENTAL INFRASTRUCTURE 55 GUIDANCE – MAIN REPORT Figure 13: Sustainable Transport Priority Areas
56 Opportunities for Environmental Objective 4: Protecting and The appropriate response to the requirement Infrastructure in Response to the EIG Principles Enhancing Biodiversity and to conserve biodiversity in urban areas, and Objective the maintenance of the ecosystem services Sustainable transport links and the The map below combines an Geodiversity which are associated with it, is to provide network of environmental infrastructure understanding of the existing and High quality environment respecting, biodiverse environmental infrastructure. assets go hand in hand. proposed cycle and walking routes, cycle protecting and enhancing biodiversity and Currently the conservation of biodiversity is and walking participation, and key social • Opportunities should be sought to geodiversity achieved primarily through the designation infrastructure to highlight areas that would utilise and improve walking and Contribution of Environmental of sites for nature conservation or geological most benefit from sustainable transport- cycling routes along the canal, river Infrastructure to the Objective interest, and the establishment of nature focused environmental infrastructure. and former rail routes. Biodiversity is a term used to describe the reserves, however such sites constitute only Furthermore, as noted above, the • New development should make diversity of all life on earth, from genes a part of the overall area of environmental regeneration corridors are currently in a demonstrable contribution through to entire ecosystems. Biodiversity infrastructure. Designated sites are usually areas of poor participation. Development towards developing a wider cycle underpins all ecosystems services, on which managed primarily for the conservation of sites should coordinate approaches to and walking network across the we all depend, but has been eroded as the habitats and species for which they were delivering cycle and walking routes in Black Country that link live / work civilisation has grown, with an acceleration in designated and are the core areas of any order to maximise opportunities to build areas and existing environmental the decline during the last 100 years, a period future ecological network. It is becoming a comprehensive network in these areas. infrastructure assets such as the when oil has become the main source of increasingly clear, however that managers This presents a symbiotic relationship Black Country Beacons. energy for agriculture and industry. Ecosystem of all environmental infrastructure, whether where environmental infrastructure can services are better and more stable when it be managed primarily for recreation, enhance these networks, and in return the biodiversity is high. 20 With the establishment transportation, drainage or any other purpose, networks further support environmental of the International Convention on Biodiversity need to take account of the potential to infrastructure. Networks could be provided (ICB) in 1992, the international community enhance their site for biodiversity. Habitats in many forms, from street trees to dense recognised that efforts to halt the decline in and the communities of flora and fauna green corridors or green links. There are biodiversity were urgently required. 21 A UK rely on specific physical conditions and also likely to be opportunities to integrate response to the ICB was the establishment processes if they are to persist, therefore in SUDS systems (swales and rain gardens). of national biodiversity action plan (BAP) in planning, designing and creating biodiverse 1994. 22 The overall aim of the UK BAP is to environmental infrastructure it is important to conserve and enhance biodiversity by: understand the setting of a site and its climate, geology, soil, hydrology and air quality. • Conserving and where possible enhancing The most appropriate interventions on any the population and natural ranges of particular site should be determined with an native species, natural and semi-natural understanding of local biodiversity action plans wildlife habitats; ecosystems that are and the extent, pattern, type and quality of characteristic of local areas. habitat patches and corridors in the vicinity of a site. Mapping and describing the historic and • To increase public awareness of and existing nature conservation assets of the area involvement in conserving biodiversity is part of this analysis.
• To contribute to the conservation of Visitors from the Black Country also have an biodiversity on a European and global impact on European protected sites outside scale of the sub-region. Of particular concern is the impact that people may have on Cannock
20. UK National Ecosystem Assessment (2010) http://uknea.unep-wcmc.org/ 21. Convention on Biodiversity (1992) http://www.cbd.int/ 22. Biodiversity – The UK Action Plan (1994) HMSO ENVIRONMENTAL INFRASTRUCTURE 57 GUIDANCE – MAIN REPORT Chase SAC (lowland heathland in Stafford). An increase in people with dog visiting this site, caused by population growth in the Black Country, could result in a decline in the number of ground nesting birds. In order to contour this effect, mitigation has been recommended in the form of Suitable Alternative Natural Green Space (SANG) within the Black Country. This new green space should be easily accessible for people living within the Growth Areas and should provide attractive locations for dog walkers, providing an alternative destination to Cannock Chase SAC. These new facilities, which be largely created from brownfield sites, will form an important component of the Black Country’s Environmental Infrastructure and will also form part of the sub-regional ecological network.
02.5 5 10 Km
Figure 14: Ecology and Designated Sites
58 The Situation in the Black Country Case Study: Lake District Osprey Project The Black Country is a predominantly urban area and sites designated for their nature Key Delivery Drivers conservation or geological value tend to be isolated and surrounded by roads and built • A desire to see osprey recolonise an up areas, or are in the green belt, however area where they had been absent for despite this a wide range of habitats are decades encouraged volunteers to represented including broadleaved woodland, spearhead the project hedgerows, various grasslands, heathland, wetlands, standing water and rivers and • A partnership between three important streams. Gardens and ‘wastelands’ (where organisations: the Forestry Commission, brownfield sites are colonised by self- Royal Society for Protection of Birds, established vegetation), though usually not and Lake District National Park designated, also support a rich variety of Authority worked for years to ensure the wildlife. sustainability of the project A number of sites within the Black Country • An increase in tourism, sustainable are designated as Sites of Special Scientific transport, and employment has helped Interest (SSSIs) because of their national make the project thrive. The project importance for ecology. 24 SSSIs in Walsall 25 is partly self-sustaining, with financial include Jockey Fields, an area of green belt support from parking fees and sales from with low lying wet grassland and marsh in a the visitor centre. Image: http://www.visitcumbria.com/photos/osprey3.jpg river valley. A similar site also in Walsall is the Clayhanger SSSI. Another wetland site Description in Walsall is Stubbers Green Bog SSSI with In 2001, a few osprey enthusiasts built a of car park fees and sales from souvenirs valley mire in a hollow that may have been nest on the Bassenthwaite Lake, with hopes from the visitor centre. The new interest caused by mining subsidence. Swan Pool the bird would recolonise the Lake District. in wildlife tourism in the area has and The Swag SSSI consists of reed beds The effort paid off and has resulted not only spawned the Osprey Bus, a sustainable which are important roost sites for swallows. in an increase in biodiversity, but has also transportation option, which will to help Cannock Canal Extension SSSI and Special been a boon for local wildlife tourism. The decrease noise and air pollution in the Area for Conservation (SAC) and is a terminal Osprey’s return was the result of several area. branch of the canal system which has a low years of commitment from the Forestry volume of boat traffic which has allowed A 2003 study found that approximately Commission, the Lake District National Park emergent aquatic vegetation to colonise. 100,000 people visited the ospreys Authority, and the Royal Society for the Wolverhampton and Sandwell do not have any that year, and spent £1.68 million total, Protection of Birds. While 90 volunteers SSSIs. Fens Pools SSSI and Special Area for £420,000 of which was directly attributed have supported the project, during the Conservation (SAC) in Dudley is a series of to osprey tourism, supporting 34 jobs in breeding season jobs have been created canal feeder reservoirs, pools and wetlands the area over the breeding season. 23 to protect the nest from disturbance and which support exceptional numbers of smooth enthuse and inform visitors. The project has and great crested newts. Other SSSIs in been supported financially from a proportion Dudley include Illey Pastures, which is an unimproved neutral grassland site.
23. http://www.naturaleconomynorthwest.co.uk/download.php?Case%20Study%201%20-%20Lake%20District%20Ospreys%20Project.pdf 24. Eco Record Ecological Database for West Midlandshttp://84.18.207.65/~ecorecor/?q=local-sites/sacs ENVIRONMENTAL INFRASTRUCTURE 59 GUIDANCE – MAIN REPORT 25. http://www.walsall.gov.uk/index/environment/conservation_and_regeneration/nature_conservation/sites_of_special_scientific_interest Sites of Importance for Nature Conservation (SINCs) are non-statutory sites of Black Country importance. There are more than 100 SINCs with examples in all boroughs. A lower tier of designated sites are Sites of Local Importance for Nature Conservation (SLINCs) which are found in all boroughs. These are sites of Borough Importance. Many of the lower tier sites are post-industrial sites, but have been rapidly colonised by wildlife, showing the potential of ecological restoration. An example is Sandwell Valley Nature Reserve, a complex of open water, wetlands, grassland, woodland and scrub which is leased to the RSPB by Sandwell Metropolitan Council. Other local sites include railway lands, canals, cemeteries and public open space.
The Black Country has a Biodiversity Action Plan 26 27 which includes habitat action plans for all major habitat types, including urban habitats, as well as a wide range of species.
02.5 5 10 Km
Figure 15: Existing green space
26. Birmingham and Black Country Biodiversity Action Plan http://www.wildlifetrust.org.uk/urbanwt/ecorecord/bap/html/main.htm 27. Black Country Living Landscape http:// 60 www.bcll.org.uk/what_is_bcll/bio.html 28. Natural England - Geology of the West Midlands http://www.naturalengland.org.uk/ourwork/conservation/geodiversity/englands/ counties/area_ID38.aspx Geodiversity is variety of of earth materials and formations and the processes that shape the earth. The majority of SSSIs in the Black Country are geological and there are geological SINCs and SLINCs in all the Black Country boroughs. The Upper Carboniferous Coal Measures which underlie the Black Country were the foundation of the industrial development which gave the area its name. Natural England 28 report that ‘by 1860, within 5 miles of Dudley there were 441 pits, 181 blast furnaces, 118 iron works, 79 rolling mills and 1,500 puddling furnaces, all pouring out smoke’. Within the main mass of the Coal Measures are a number of isolated outcrops of older Silurian rock. These shallow water limestones and shales contain a wide range of marine fossils (including the ‘Dudley Bug’ – a trilobite) and form the famous outcrops at Wren’s Nest (which is one of several local geological SSSIs) and Dudley Castle Hill. There are also a number of igneous intrusions into the Coal Measures. Much of the area has been covered in thick deposits of boulder clay and sands and gravel deposited by ice sheets and meltwaters during the Ice Ages.
02.5 5 10 Km
Figure 16: Geodiversity
ENVIRONMENTAL INFRASTRUCTURE 61 GUIDANCE – MAIN REPORT 02.5 5 10 Km
Figure 17: Ecological Corridors
29. http://www.wmbp.org/landscapes_for_living/opportunity_mapping 62 The map below combines the analysis above to highlight the areas where environmental infrastructure provision would support biodiversity and geodiversity objectives the most.
02.5 5 10 Km
Figure 18: Priority areas for environmental infrastructure to support biodiversity and geodiversity
29. http://www.wmbp.org/landscapes_for_living/opportunity_mapping ENVIRONMENTAL INFRASTRUCTURE 63 GUIDANCE – MAIN REPORT Opportunities for Environmental Black Country ecological network continues Infrastructure in Response to the to grow opportunities for restoration and EIG Principles Objective reintroduction will continue to expand. Further Figure 17 above shows potential work will be undertaken to map existing and Environmental infrastructure supports a ecological corridors which could be potential ecological corridors at the local level, wide range of habitats and species that created by extending designated core including work to identify important ‘missing help to restore the quality of water and sites and creating connection corridors inks’ in the future expanded network. The air, as well as protecting geodiversity and stepping stone sites to make the Birmingham & Black Country Biodiversity assets. sub-region more permeable to wildlife and Partnership and the revised Birmingham & • In addition to providing dedicated people. Potential ecological connections Black Country Biodiversity Action Plan should areas of biodiversity value, new should be considered in more detail within be consulted as the ecological network development should demonstrate the regeneration corridors (see Reinforcing continues to be strengthened through local consideration of environmental Ecological Networks in Chapter 7). action. The ecological network of the Black infrastructure to support the Country extends into the surrounding area The Black Country is renowned for its creation of functional ecological and consideration should be given to how to geological diversity and the important networks that utilise native habitats maximise the benefits of strengthening these connection between its geology and and support Biodiversity Action Plan connections. Reference should be made to industrial heritage. Further effort should priority species and link existing the West Midlands Biodiversity Partnership’s be directed towards implementing the environmental infrastructure assets Regional 50 Year Vision & Opportunity Black Country Geodiversity Action Plan including the Beacons, and nature map 29 which provides a regional overview of and ensuring that tourism projects conservation designations. landscape-scale restoration. continue to celebrate this link and provide • Development and environmental opportunities for visitors to see key The enhancement of biodiversity is compatible initiatives should contribute to geological exposures and examine the with public access and the provision of other overarching urban greening. interesting assemblages of fossils. functions, including sustainable drainage, Redevelopment of vacant and cycling and walking routes as well as the Ecological restoration can bring many underutilised sites needs to provision of biomass for fuel. The future surprises, but it is also possible to target recognise that they might be ecological network will be multi-functional particular habitats and species. The case playing an important environmental and a more sophisticated approach to study below shows how the enthusiasm of function. management can ensure that many objectives volunteers can lead to the reintroduction are met. • Natural systems such as rain of species with an associated boost in gardens and swales should be used tourism and the local economy. As the to control, cleanse and store storm water. Where possible, this should be used as a source of non potable water.
• Geodiversity assets should be respected and celebrated.
64 Objective 3: Celebrating Local Places Case Study: Emscher Enhance character, amenity and quality of place building on the Black Countries historic, Landscape Park, Ruhr landscape and cultural assets to support attractive, district centres and housing renewal
Contribution of Environmental Infrastructure to the Objective Environmental infrastructure plays a key role Secondly, environmental infrastructure itself in preserving and celebrating historical and can become a cultural or historical asset, cultural assets in both rural and urban areas. which in its own right draws a range of users Environmental infrastructure can also become and visitors. Valued landscapes, which are a cultural asset itself, promoting tourism and well managed and designed, often become ingraining a sense of pride in local areas. cultural and heritage assets themselves. Image: http://www.baukunst-nrw.de/ Credit: Michael Latz Historical gardens, farms, country parks Description The first function of environmental and urban parks are some examples. The Ruhr was the industrial heart of German cycle route. Finance for the park has infrastructure is its ability to support local Historic buildings and structures are also an for 100 years but fell into decline during the been provided by the Government of cultural and heritage. A quality environmental essential environmental infrastructure asset. twentieth century. As part of the centenary North-Rhine/Westphalia, with income setting helps give character and depth to Environmental infrastructure can also be celebrations of the 1898 International derived through the development of the image of a place but also can assist in specifically designed as a tourism destination, Building Exhibition, the Emscher Landscape associated science and industrial parks. the preservation of key heritage assets and fostering activities such as walking trails, Park was created in 1999 . It is a regional support local cultural focuses and activities. Key Delivery Drivers fishing, canal-boating and general recreation. park 70km in length spanning the Emsher Open spaces and public realm provide places • The idea of a ‘national park’ for the The character of the landscape itself is often Region and covering 320 km2. The park is for local people to meet, congregate and industrial Ruhr was conceived in the crucial to heritage value, as communities innovative in that it deliberately incorporates celebrate, often forming the essential for 1908s as a way of revitalising the draw identity and a sense of place from many of the derelict industrial installations events and public functions. Landscapes can region. environmental surroundings. and the self-established vegetation that also enhance the value of heritage buildings became established after abandonment. and provide protection from potentially The following sections consider possible • Following establishment of a The park is designed to link together open adverse adjacent development. functions of environmental infrastructure in the ‘development company’ for the park, spaces throughout the region. It was Black Country, in supporting, preserving and a masterplan was developed and established by rezoning various brownfield celebrating a locally unique sense of place. rezoning undertaken. sites as parkland. It is seen as a long term project which links together local initiatives • The various city partners then into a permanent regional park. The project undertook more than 300 local is seen as strategic green infrastructure for 2 projects funded by the state million inhabitants of the region, many whom government in order to coalesce have lived in a degraded living and working these into the regional park environment for decades. The project is a partnership of 17 cities, combining 7 north- south green corridors and an east-west corridor known as the Emscher Valley. The park incorporates 580 km of new cycle and walking paths as well as a long-distance
ENVIRONMENTAL INFRASTRUCTURE 65 GUIDANCE – MAIN REPORT Case Study: Mersey Waterfront 30
sculpture, known as The Flower, which changes colour according to its energy levels.
Key Delivery Drivers • Connection between regeneration, environmental infrastructure and tourism objectives.
• Using the canals and seafront as the asset, public realm improvements and green infrastructure were used to harness the economic value of the surroundings and create a strong sense of place.
• The current phase – the succession programme – will run to 2010, drawing on £9m of European Objective 1 money and £10.9m from NWDA. The total value Description of this programme is expected to be Mersey Waterfront is one of the UK’s the 60 projects in the first phase of the approximately £91m, with the balance youngest regional parks. Conceived by programme centred on creating a sense coming from the private sector. Northwest Development Agency in its of place. They include a major scheme in regional economic strategy in 2000, the 145 Southport to improve links between the • Although it is neither a landowner, kilometres of waterfront, including beaches, town’s shopping area and the waterfront, statutory body, nor planning authority, dunes, mudflats and international ports, such as the restoration of Southport’s Mersey Waterfront is often the crosses eight local authority boundaries. famous Queen Victoria monument. dealmaker, offering approximately 15% The Mersey Waterfront programme came Mersey Waterfront wants more of its of project values. Combined with an into being in 2003 with a mission to bring coastline to become a visitor attraction. ability to ‘cajole and persuade partners’ it back into active use as much of the coastline To realise this vision, the Windows on is, therefore, able to assert its influence and waterfront as possible, creating a the Waterfront project plans to create on sustainability issues. unique sense of place that would attract a range of facilities for visitors. These people to live, work, visit and invest in the could include digital displays, web based Liverpool city-region. At present around 60% technology or public art to make places of the coastline is accessible via decent more attractive. For example, in Halton, paths, but the ultimate ambition is to have where Mersey Waterfront has paid a continuous, walkable coastline for the towards improving footpaths, partners whole 145 kilometres by 2020. Most of are building a 10-15m high wind powered
66 30. Natural Economy North West. Economic Value of Green Infrastructure. Mersey Waterfront Case Study. The Situation in the Black Country Historic Environment and Identity and distinctiveness of the area. Although the of the areas together, highlighting designated The Black Country has a unique built and The historic assets of the Black Country legacy of the area’s industrial development historic assets. The BCHLC is intended to natural landscape, and distinctive topography are diverse and of significant value. These has often been viewed from a negative be used to help protect and enhance the and geology that has helped shape the assets include both natural and built perspective (e.g. contaminated land), it is landscape, character and distinctiveness of an urban form. Mineral wealth associated with features, including historic buildings, canals, vital that the industrial heritage of the Black area when development proposals are being its geology drove the first phase of the archaeological remains, parks, gardens and Country is positively promoted in terms of considered. There is an opportunity to be industrialisation of the Black Country and has landscapes. In addition to designated assets its intrinsic historic value as well as its wider inspired by the historic assets and to continue influenced settlement form based on extractive – listed buildings, scheduled monuments, contribution to local identity, sense of place, to maintain and develop local distinctiveness industries and early industrial processes conservation areas, registered parks and and strong cultural associations. through the use of local stone (e.g. Rowley using that mineral wealth. Founded on this gardens – the Black Country’s historic dolerite) for refurbishments and new Indeed, many of the former industrial strong industrial heritage, the canal network environment encompasses a wealth of non- developments. Walls, buildings and kerbs and landscapes of the Black Country, such as in the Black Country is a strong influence designated features of local heritage value other incidental features can be constructed disused quarries and spoil heaps, now form in the spatial distribution of heritage and and interest, which make a vital contribution from these materials. part of the area’s green space network and landscape features. The preservation and to the character, distinctiveness and quality are of interest for nature conservation, and celebration of industrial heritage, combined of place of the sub-region’s towns, open The figure below shows the distribution valued for their links to the Black Country’s with regeneration, is a key focus for the Black spaces and urban fringe. A holistic approach of designated historic features and listed industrial past. Consequently, these are Country emerging Core Strategy. The identity is critical for conserving and enhancing the buildings in the Black Country. The rich inextricable links between the Black Country’s of the Black Country, with its unique heritage, Black Country’s wealth of historic features, heritage of the area is evident from the historic and natural environment. A holistic is also the focus for tourism in the area; whether designated or not, and for ensuring widespread distribution of historic centres and integrated approach is, therefore, vital hence, the creation of a clear sense of place is that the distinctive characteristics of the sub- and sites. Historic features also has a in working towards the aspiration for a high key to future economic development. region’s settlements are safeguarded and close association with the canal network. quality environment and ‘quality of place’. strengthened. The Regional Spatial Strategy Phase 1 of the Environmental Infrastructure Guidance (EIG) also identified key historic and the emerging Core Strategy recognise There is a need for a strategic view on the and landscape features as ‘beacons’ which this, stating: location and quality of contaminated land in can be used to define and delineate the green the Black Country. Some contaminated land ‘All development should aim to protect infrastructure network. These beacons are may already be fulfilling an important role as and promote the special qualities, historic well distributed across the Black Country. an informal wildlife area. For other land it may character and local distinctiveness of the not be an economic option to develop the land Black Country in order to help maintain its for housing, but the land would be better used cultural identity and strong sense of place.’ as a recreation or wildlife area. The Black County has a rich industrial Trends indicate there is a continuing decline heritage, including for example: The and loss of the Black Country’s historic Soho Foundry, Stourbridge glass industry, environment. 31 Hence, preservation and Wolverhampton car industry, and Walsall enhancement of heritage value, in tandem leather industry. Industrial sites such as with regeneration and development, is the key these continue to have a strong imprint on challenge for the Black Country. The Black the present day form and character of the Country Historic Landscape Characterisation area, as well as its future regeneration. At (BCHLC) project has developed a Black a local, regional and even national level, the Country wide set of character areas, which industrial heritage of the Black Country is a provide the broad, descriptive overviews of key factor in underpinning the unique identity both the modern day and historic character
31. West Midlands Regional Assembly. Black Country Study: Environment Technical Report: Quality of Place ENVIRONMENTAL INFRASTRUCTURE 67 GUIDANCE – MAIN REPORT 01 2 4 Miles
Figure 19: Heritage sites within the Black Country
68 The Canal Network The Black Country canals include a The Canals within the Black Country are There is considerable pressure on the re-use An interesting study developed by Black fascinating network of junctions and branches. not just a link to the Black Country’s rich or demolition of existing buildings to bring Country archaeology service 34 also highlights Many of the canals are part of, or adjacent Industrial past. They provide a green corridor back ‘life’ to the canalside. Although this is the function of former canal areas in the to conservation areas and many of the sub- within a predominantly urban landscape, supported, it must be done without damaging character of the landscape across the Black regions main visitor attractions are either are often designated as linear open space, or destroying the very features and assets that Country. A number of canals have gradually located adjacent to, or nearby a canal. There have inherent wildlife value, and provide make the canal network inherently valuable silted up over time (as shown in the figure is a wealth of features, which will interest opportunities for leisure. and so attractive. below). These remain as an interesting land canal enthusiasts and industrial archaeologists typology, which are generally left undeveloped, – locks, bridges and warehouses all give a hint There are a number of key issues that will A historic landscape assessment of the but could be re-established as canal or water 33 of the important role the Black Country played need to be addressed if the Canal network regeneration corridors in the Black Country management areas (however care should in the sub-region’s past. The Canals enabled within the Black Country is to realise its identified ‘Canalside Open Land’ as a key be taken to take account of any existing the development of communities and as such potential. The following issues have been characteristic for the regeneration corridors ecological value that has developed in these play a pivotal role in creating and retaining the identified as inhibiting the full use and (and the Black Country as a whole) and this areas). Historically, the canals used to be Black Country’s local distinctiveness. celebration of the canals as assets: is of importance for green infrastructure for serviced by an intricate network of tramroads. two reasons. Firstly, some derelict land in Revitalisation and restoration of tramroad • Anti-Social Behaviour (real and perceived The Canals play a crucial heritage role, but the canal areas is of ecological importance, routes could simultaneously enhance access across the network) are also essential to the tourism offer of the and secondly, derelict land in a canal side to canals and hence the heritage value of the Black Country, as recognised in the Canals location are important development sites, • Feeling of being un-safe area. Tourism and Interpretation Strategy: where sensitive integration of environmental • The need to ‘Open up’ the canals infrastructure will be crucial to both their value ‘The 130 miles of canals that make up to provide more visibility – both for and cultural asset preservation. More than the Birmingham and Black Country Canal communities to see how close the canal is 43% of the canalside open land in the Black Network (Birmingham Canal Navigations) to them and to create a safer environment Country is located within the regeneration are some of the most historically and corridors and hence the future plans for culturally significant canals within the UK. • The need for greater access to the canals their regeneration is a significant opportunity They represent the driving force which (both physically and culturally) to integrate environmental infrastructure enabled the Black Country to play such that will preserve and enhance the historic • Canals need to be welcoming and fit for a pioneering role in the development environment. of the Industrial Revolution. Whilst the purpose landscape of the Black Country has seen Half of the canalside open land is recorded • Need for developments need to both major transformation over the last 200 as derelict (without vegetation) while the enhance the canal network but maintain years, a major part of the Birmingham other half is described as rough grassland or accessibility Canal Navigations has remained intact scrub. Approximately 54% of derelict land was providing a network of arteries linking • Low levels of maintenance on land directly previously used for industrial purposes, while towns, industry and communities adjoining the canal or the towpath adding around 57% of rough grassland and scrub is together.’ 32 to feeling of being unsafe. former agricultural land. While derelict land that previously had an industrial use may have • Condition of frontages onto canals which contamination issues, many areas are likely to may detract from a positive image. accommodate productive uses.
32. British Waterways (2004) Black Country Canals Tourism and Interpretation Strategy 33. Black Country Archeology (2009) A landscape character framework for the black country regeneration corridors. 34. Black Country Archaeology Service (2009) The representation of canals in the Black Country Landscape Characterisation. ENVIRONMENTAL INFRASTRUCTURE 69 GUIDANCE – MAIN REPORT Figure 20: Changes associated with the canal network up to 2000 35 The silted up Bradley branch canal close to the northern edge of Sandwell 36
35. Black Country Archaeology Service (2009) The representation of canals in the Black Country Landscape Characterisation. 36.70 Black Country Archeology Service (2009) The representation of canals in the Black Country Landscape Characterisation. Tourism Offer The emerging Core Strategy recognises that • Black Country Living Museum heritage and tourism strategies need to be addressed in tandem to build on the identity • Dudley Zoo and Castle of the Black Country and forge a strong • Dudley Museum & Art Gallery economic base for the future: • Wren Nest NNR ‘In order to help deliver economic, social and environmental transformation, sub-regionally • Wolverhampton Art Gallery important cultural facilities within the Black Country (including tourist attractions, leisure • Wightwick Manor facilities, museums theatres & art galleries) will be protected and, where necessary • Sandwell Park Farm Visitor Centre enhanced, promoted and expanded in • Chasewater Light Railway partnership with key agencies and delivery partners.’ • Forge Mill Farm
A visitor survey of the Black Country 37 • Walsall Leather Museum identified that 75% of all visitors to the Black Country are on day trips, and 56% of those • Moseley Old Hall day visitors are from the West Midlands, • Haden Hill House and a further 28% were from Staffordshire, Worcestershire and Shropshire. These trends • Himley Hall can still be seen in more recent tourism surveys. 38 The dominance of local visitors and • Bantock House and Park short trip lengths demonstrates an opportunity • Dudley Tunnel and Limestone Mines to solidify the tourism offer of the Black Country and develop a network of activities • Weston Park that may attract longer stay visitors and those from further afield. The history and tradition of the area, along with museum attractions and canals were cited as key reasons to visit the Black Country Key tourism attractions in the Black Country include:
37. Heart of England Tourist Board (1999) Black Country Visitor Survey. 38. Black Country Observatory (2004) Visitor Economy Barometer. ENVIRONMENTAL INFRASTRUCTURE 71 GUIDANCE – MAIN REPORT Figure 21: Tourism Cultural Facilities within the Black Country
72 The environmental infrastructure that Opportunities for Environmental Infrastructure in Response to the Objective enhances connectivity and local landscape The baseline analysis above has highlighted Special consideration should be given to value can not only support the mix of local a number of objectives and consequential the special nature of the area’s geodiversity built tourist attractions such as museums, art opportunities where environmental and the potential to develop geotourism, galleries and manor houses, but also includes infrastructure could be used to celebrate a especially at Beacon sites (e.g. Rowley Hills). a number of landscape and canal based local sense of place, and simultaneously The Black Country Geodiversity Partnership attractions that directly rely on the quality of achieve heritage and tourism objectives: has an aspiration to seek UNESCO European environmental infrastructure. The figure below Geopark 40 status for the Black Country. shows the distribution of tourism attractions in • Driving preservation and celebration the Black Country. The canal network adjoins of the rich local heritage offer, using The figure below considers where or is close to all the attractions. environmental infrastructure strategies environmental infrastructure interventions to conserve heritage buildings and are likely to be most beneficial from a sense The British Waterways West Midlands Vision landscapes and to create new assets. of place perspective, considering location of aims to develop the Birmingham and the historic assets, tourism destinations and the Black Country Canals to have five ‘super’ • Ensuring development recognises local land adjoining the canal network (which is a destinations: historic and landscape character and key structuring element for both heritage and assets, so that heritage and regeneration tourism). The map shows that the use of the 1. Birmingham City Centre initiatives work in tandem. canal network as a key driver of identity is a sensible approach, with key heritage and 2. Merry Hill • Identifying where derelict sites already tourism attractions within a close distance, contribute key environmental functions, so 3. Black Country Museum making the possibility of a clear visitor and that these functions can be preserved and cultural route possible 4. Wolverhampton enhanced.
5. Walsall • Development of a high quality canal network, which is safe, connected and The vision seeks to increase canal uses and publically accessible. provide uninterrupted single day navigation between the five sites, while ensuring these • The canal tramroads and former canals routes have enhanced biodiversity and have been identified as possible sites heritage values that benefit all canal users. 39 in the area that could be restored for High numbers of boaters have been recorded heritage, access and ecological value. to the north and south of the Black Country • Creating of a coherent and connected network, with the Black Country Museum tourism offer, which will attract longer stay currently recognised as a major attraction for visitors from further afield by connecting boaters in the Region. existing and new tourism assets. The canal network is likely to be a natural basis for a tourism route.
39. British Waterways and Partners (2009) Developing Waterside Investment Opportunities in the Black Country Urban Park 40. http://www.europeangeoparks.org ENVIRONMENTAL INFRASTRUCTURE 73 GUIDANCE – MAIN REPORT EIG Principles Environmental infrastructure should be used to enhance the built and heritage environment: • Ensuring development recognises local historic and landscape character and assets, so that heritage and regeneration initiatives work in tandem. • Identifying where derelict sites already contribute key environmental functions, so that these functions can be preserved and enhanced. • The canal tramroads and former canals have been identified as possible sites in the area that could be restored for heritage, access and ecological value.
Figure 22: Heritage and Tourism Priority Areas
74 Objective 6: Supporting Healthy Living Supporting community services to promote learning, healthy lifestyles, Case Study: Shacklabank Free Range Walking recreation and sport local biodiversity and learn about where their food originates. During their stay, guests engage in healthy lifestyles – Contribution of Environmental Infrastructure to the Objective from outdoor exercise to farming, and preparing their own fresh food. Not only Good health is a state of complete aggression, blood pressure, muscle tension is Shacklabank engaged in physical 41 physical, mental and social well-being and skin conductance. Play for children is health, but participants also express and it is becoming clear that environmental also important in order to promote an active the mental health benefits of living infrastructure contributes towards the lifestyle and engender mental and emotional sustainably on the farm. Throughout, the maintenance of all of these aspects of well development. Outdoor environments are farm promotes the importance of local being. Although the link between parks and essential for the provision of adventurous and food from local farms and encourages 46 health was made by those aldermen who exciting play . guests to engage with farmers in the created public parks in slum areas during area. 48 the Victorian period, it is relatively recently Other important health connections are that this link has been the subject of peer those associated with improvements in Key Delivery Drivers reviewed research and guidance. 42 In order environmental quality brought about by • Local entrepreneur, Alison O’Neill, to maintain physical health regular exercise is vegetation. Air quality is improved by rented land at a time when farmers essential. Research has now demonstrated vegetation (especially trees) and therefore were looking to make additional that access to open space reduces mortality this reduces the incidence of lung diseases. income from their land from circulatory diseases 43 and that the Evapo-transpirative cooling caused by soils environment can be modified to increased and vegetation lower temperatures and • A grant from North West Farm physical activity. People visiting open space reduces the likelihood of heat stroke or Tourism Initiative helped to kickstart are more active. The National Institute for mental stress during heat waves (which are the business predicted to increase with climate change). Clinical Excellence has recently (2008) • Investing time to create the proper 44 Green infrastructure has the potential to Image: http://www.shacklabank.co.uk/site/content_the_area.php produced guidance on this. conditions to nurture a biodiverse reduce temperatures by up to 10ºC , which When many farmers were selling their land woodland, enabled the farm to The link between green infrastructure and can mean that the risk of death or ill-health in 1999, it turned into an opportunity for a develop a niche within the ecological mental wellbeing is also well established. associated with overheating is significantly local entrepreneur to develop ‘Free Range tourism industry Douglas (2005) 45 has reviewed evidence reduced. When temperatures exceed Walking.’ With funding from North West that shows that people are more relaxed and 26ºC, the Department of Health (2009) 47 Farm Tourism Initiative, Shacklabank Farm therefore have lower stress levels when they recommends that action is taken to protect began fencing off land, and planting trees have access to, or overlook urban green vulnerable people. The same guidance also and shrubs to create a woodland habitat. A space. Specific parameters that have been recommends the creation of green spaces for diversity of other plants began reappearing measured and found to be improved, include cooling as a long term strategy for addressing on the land, as well as otter, swallow, psycho-physiological stress, intra- familial this problem. heron and woodpecker, amongst other wildlife. This farm has been transformed into an outdoor recreational and educational experience, where visitors are taken on walks around the region to appreciate the
41. World Health Organisation Commission on Health and Environment. (1992) Our planet, our health: report of the WHO Commission on Health and Environment. Geneva: WHO 42. Manifesto for Natural Health Service: Natural England (2009) http://www.naturalengland.org.uk/ourwork/enjoying/health/ournaturalhealthservice/default.aspx 43. Popham F & Mitchell R (2008). Effect of exposure to natural environment on health inequalities: an observational population study. The Lancet.ENVIRONMENTAL Volume 372, INFRASTRUCTURE Issue 9650, Pages 1655 - 751660 44. National Institute for Clinical Excellence. PHI 008. Physical activity and the Environment. NHS. 45. Douglas I. (2005) ‘Urban greenspace and mental health. Discussion paper of the UK MAB Urban Forum’. 46. Playshaper (Department forGUIDANCE Children –Schools MAIN REPORT and Families) http://www.playshaper.org.uk/the-importance-of-play.aspx 47. Heatwave Plan for England (2009). NHS 48. http://www.naturaleconomynorthwest.co.uk/download.php?Case%20Study%206%20-%20Shacklabank%20Free%20Range%20Walking.pdf The Situation in the Black Country The Black Country has many wards where health is below the national average. The IMD (2004) 49 – see map below - shows that Dudley Metropolitan Borough has a number of town centre wards with a populations that have relatively poor health. Sandwell is amongst the most highly deprived boroughs in the country, with pockets of poor health distributed across the borough. Wolverhampton is also a deprived borough with poor health associated with town centre wards. Health within Walsall varies significantly, with pockets of deprivation in the town centre. Data held by Sport England 50 shows that there are particularly inactive populations in city centre wards in Walsall, Wolverhampton and Dudley. The Regeneration Corridors coincide with areas of deprivation and poor health, although there are wards where people are in poor health throughout the sub-region.
01.25 2.5 5 Miles
Figure 23: Black Country wards where many people have poor health (darkest)
49. http://www.communities.gov.uk/archived/general-content/communities/indicesofdeprivation/216309/ 50.76 http://www.sportengland.org/research/market_segmentation.aspx % Year 6 children Rated Obese 0 1 - 15 16 - 19 20 - 22 23 - 27
01.25 2.5 5 Miles
Figure 24: Obesity in Children
ENVIRONMENTAL INFRASTRUCTURE 77 GUIDANCE – MAIN REPORT 02.5 5 10 Km
Figure 25: Market Segmentation
78 Mental health can also be improved with regular access to green space. The map below shows that mental health problems are above average in the Black Country.
01.25 2.5 5 Miles
Figure 26: Adults Accessing Mental Health Care
ENVIRONMENTAL INFRASTRUCTURE 79 GUIDANCE – MAIN REPORT One of the main barriers to participation can be access to green space. Using Natural England’s Access to Natural Green Space Standard (ANGSt) it is clear that, although access to large sites is relatively well catered for, access to local sites is limited. There are also some areas that do not meet ANGSt at all.
Articulated another way, the map opposite show areas with an open space deficiency by articulating the number of ha per 1000 population
02.5 5 10 Km
Figure 27: ANGst
80 Opportunities for Environmental Infrastructure in Response to the Objective New environmental infrastructure in the form of accessible greenspace and sports facilities close to areas of deprivation will help to encourage people in these areas to become more active. An increase in activity reduces obesity, heart disease and stress. Poor air quality exacerbates breathing conditions. The provision of allotments and vegetable gardens will also encourage activity. Volunteer work parties on nature reserves and other open spaces can provide people with opportunities to exercise whilst contributing to the development of the environmental infrastructure network. Vegetation in the form of parks, urban woodlands, street trees and green roofs will improve air quality. New cycle paths that provide direct connections between residential areas and services will also encourage people to exercise more. Green roofs on residential blocks will reduce overheating during summer heat waves, reducing the number of vulnerable people (the young and elderly) suffering from heatstroke.
02.5 5 10 Km
Figure xx Open Space deficiency
ENVIRONMENTAL INFRASTRUCTURE 81 GUIDANCE – MAIN REPORT As well as providing new environmental infrastructure, it will also be important for the managers of open space to continue work closely with health professionals to encourage walking and cycling. New programmes will need to be developed where people regularly walk through parks and along towpaths. General practitioners will find it easier to prescribe walking for obesity and depression if safe and attractive routes and organised groups are easily accessed by patients. Small businesses will be able to create jobs for people providing support for people to join regular outdoor exercise classes in green space.
EIG Principles Access to environmental infrastructure can play an important role in supporting healthy lifestyles; reducing the burden on the health authorities: • Development should demonstrate good access to green space suitable for recreation. • Small scale urban greening should be ubiquitous throughout developments
02.5 5 10 Km
Figure 28: Priority areas for environmental infrastructure to support healthy lifestyles
82 Objective 7: Managing Resources Efficiently Make efficient use of resources, including land, waste, minerals and opportunities to mitigate climate chang e
Environmental infrastructure provides Firstly, vegetation can improve local air quality ecosystem goods and services that are by filtering out pollutants. Natural processes essential for the management of air, land can also be used to remove pollutants and and water resources. Natural systems sediments from stormwater or wastewater, are often able to manage resources very providing local sources of clean water and efficiently, providing treatment, managing ensuring local waterway quality is protected. introduction of resources within ecosystems Natural treatment systems can be designed and safeguarding local cycles and systems. in as part of Sustainable Drainage Systems Within this section we will consider the (SUDS) to manage and cleanse stormwater ecosystem goods and services that runoff. Natural infiltration systems can environmental infrastructure could provide in also be used to filter water before letting it relation to: naturally percolate into groundwater systems, replenishing local supplies. Environmental • Improvement of air quality infrastructure includes food production areas, which can be as simple as a back garden, to • Provision of local food and materials, urban community schemes and allotments. including renewable fuels Other materials can also be produced, • Remediation of contaminated land including biomass fuels, which could feed local low carbon energy generation schemes. • Treatment of water and pollution Natural processes can also be used to reduction remediate land and improve the quality and stability of soils. • Replenishment of aquifers
51. http://www.environment-agency.gov.uk/static/documents/Business/casestudyrecreation_1514776.pdf ENVIRONMENTAL INFRASTRUCTURE 83 GUIDANCE – MAIN REPORT The Situation in the Black Country Case Study: River Quaggy The Black Country is a relatively urbanised Key Delivery Drivers landscape, and hence experiences a range of • Poor flood management forced the environmental quality and pollution problems community to form their own group, that could be alleviated through stronger Quaggy Waterways Action Group integration of environmental infrastructure (formerly Friends of the Quaggy) to that provide the needed ecosystem services. develop better strategies in-line with The following sections consider the baseline natural processes situation in the Black Country relating to the state of their air, land and water resources. • QWAG researched and consulted Air Resources ecologists, engineers and river restoration experts, fund raising in the Air quality has improved significantly in the process Black Country due to the decline in industry and improved control of industrial processes, • Recently QWAG raised £1.1 million for but the area still experiences areas of poor air Chinbrook Meadows in Lewisham, to be quality due to remaining industrial activity and devoted to river regeneration and park vehicle emissions. All of the authority areas restoration. This included £228,000 are classified as Air Quality Management from Environment Agency – which Areas for Nitrogen Dioxide, and additionally Description comprised the entire budget for river Wolverhampton and part of Walsall have As a result of urban expansion, much of QWAG developed an alternative, restoration in the South of England. fine particulate management areas. These the River Quaggy’s flood plain had been naturalisation scheme, for the River Quaggy. management areas, along with points where covered in impermeable surfaces. This This process involved removing the concrete air pollution exceeds safe levels have been resulted in channelling much of the river and returning natural banks, beds and recorded are shown in the map below. The into concrete waterways, thereby only processes to the river. A retention pond areas of concern show a correlation with major exacerbating the problem. Objecting to was developed with an 85,000 m3 capacity, roadways, town centres and industrial areas. the river authority’s proposals to manage protecting 600 homes and businesses from flooding with more concrete channels, a flooding. 51 The naturalisation of the river also concerned group of Lewisham residents has helped to protect water quality. A regional formed the Quaggy Waterways Action Group park, Sutcliffe, has benefitted from more trees (QWAG) to develop an alternative, natural and gardens planted, outdoor classroom scheme. The group focused on restoring created, and more seating incorporated natural banks, beds and processes to the throughout the park. The principal benefits of river, thereby allowing natural filtration and this naturalisation has been flood alleviation, absorption of stormwater. As a result, the natural water filtration, increased biodiversity, district’s flood management, water quality, aesthetic improvements, and improved biodiversity, and aesthetics all improved. community infrastructure.
84 02.5 5 10 Km
Figure 29: Air Quality Management Areas
ENVIRONMENTAL INFRASTRUCTURE 85 GUIDANCE – MAIN REPORT The figures below show the distribution and intensity of nitrogen dioxide and particulates air pollution across the Black Country. There are similar ‘hot spots’ of air pollution, concentrated across the urbanised areas of Sandwell and Walsall predominantly. It should also be noted that the areas with the highest air pollution coincide with the broad regeneration corridors.
Figure 30: Air Quality Management: Nitrogen Dioxide Figure 31: Air Quality Management: Fine Particulates
86 Land Resources The strong industrial heritage of the Black Country also presents some challenges in terms of contaminated land. There are a number of sites in the Black Country severely contaminated with heavy metals. The area of brownfield/derelict /contaminated land in the Black Country amounts to approximately 700ha. The availability and suitability of land for re-use is fundamental to the aspirations of the Black Country as land is the core resource that enables the spatial strategy to be realised.
The character of land in the Black Country is both a constraint and an opportunity. The presence of contamination makes the use of land resources more difficult and requires some creative solutions to land use. Conversely, the presence of derelict and contaminated sites means that there is a high availability of centrally located brownfield land which could be integrated into an environmental infrastructure strategy to provide local ecosystem services.
Firstly, considering the potential for the use of land resources to grow food and materials locally, the Black Country has a very limited supply of productive landscapes. As shown in the figure below, there is very little high quality agricultural land (grade 1 or 2) in the sub- region (with only small amounts in Dudley). 01.25 2.5 5 Miles
Figure 32: Land with Potential for Food Production
ENVIRONMENTAL INFRASTRUCTURE 87 GUIDANCE – MAIN REPORT There is a sparse distribution of allotments Land resources can also be used to grow across the authority areas. No information was raw materials. An obvious material that is obtainable during this study on the use and likely to be in local demand in the area is condition of allotments. Some indication of wood-based biomass crops. The Government demand for food growing areas can be gained has set challenging targets for carbon through community land share schemes. reduction, aiming for an 80% reduction in The figure below shows the location of land carbon emissions by 2050. Coupled with share requests and offers in the sub-region. A emerging building regulations which are likely high density of land share requests indicates to require new homes to be zero carbon by a high enthusiasm and interest in local food 2016 and non-residential buildings to be zero production from communities. carbon by 2019, there will be an increasing need to provide renewable energy locally. The figure below shows a typical mix of technology selections for new development. Biomass-based technologies are likely to be favoured in a number of developments due to their attractive cost profile. ‘Biomass’ refers to burning material derived from forestry, arboriculture, wood processing and combustible agricultural residues. Some of this material can be a (sometimes wasted) by-product of management of woodland and greenspace.
Figure 33: Food production land share demand (red) and availability (green) 52
52.88 http://www.rivercottage.net/landshare/ In the West Midlands Region as a whole, biomass is recognised as a high priority fuel to aid carbon reduction, and this is reflected in Region-wide renewable targets. Wood-based biomass fuel should ideally be sourced locally, to reduce transport related carbon emissions. One of the main barriers at present to the growth of this market is the inability of the supply chain to provide guaranteed amounts of reliable quality wood fuel from local sources. Due to the urban nature of the Black Country, local forestry resources are very GRAPH TO INSERT limited, however there are forests in the wider West Midlands region, notably the Marches. This is shown in the figure below, along with the distribution of lower grade agricultural land in the wider area (grade 3 and 4) which is most suitable for the growth of biomass crops.
Figure 34: Typical technology choice mix for new development to meet emerging carbon reduction targets
ENVIRONMENTAL INFRASTRUCTURE 89 GUIDANCE – MAIN REPORT 01.25 2.5 5 Miles
Figure 35: Areas with potential for biomass production in the Black Country and surrounds
90 New development in the area will be able to The growth of bio-crops on derelict land The environmental infrastructure network source biomass crops grown on agricultural may have dual benefits. Certain crops can could also use the canal network and freight land locally and forestry by-products from also naturally remediate contaminated sites barges to transport biomass supplies. Canals the wider region and the sub-regional through the process of phytoremediation. 53 were originally built to move freight and environmental infrastructure network if Traditional remediation is possible by chemical although this use has declined, in future there supply chains are put in place, but there means, soil washing, or by burial of the is potential for freight to become important may also be opportunities to grow biomass contaminated area, however there are some again. crops, either temporarily or permanently in sites where phytoremediation techniques Although biomass as a fuel for power and the Black Country area on derelict sites. The may be appropriate. Such land can blight heat generation has the potential to reduce figure below shows the distribution of derelict the development potential of a locality, carbon emissions, the combustion of biomass land across the sub-region amounting to discouraging inward investment and economic can have negative impacts on air quality. Full approximately 700ha. If, for example, all of redevelopment of regions of industrial assessment of and mitigation for such impacts this land was utilised to grow short rotation bio- decline. Field trials show short-rotation would be required before any facilities are crops such as willow or miscanthus (grass), coppice provides effective risk management installed within the Black Country. the fuel produced would be enough to heat and remediation solutions to hotspots of around 10,000 homes (assuming a yield of 10 residual metal and arsenic contamination of A significant amount of land is currently oven dried tonnes/hectare/year). Considering brownfield land. A number of plant species protected through policy as green belt. Green growth of approximately 60,000 new homes grown as biomass fuel crops have been belt land is not necessarily defined because in the Black Country is expected by 2026, the found to take up heavy metals, frequently in of its environmental quality, and as such there local growth of biomass on derelict land could unusually high concentrations. Application of may be opportunities to utilise it better for provide a very substantial resource. Biomass phytoremediation through the growth of bio- resources or recreation. can also be used as a fuel within Combined crops could be an interim strategy for derelict Heat and Power (CHP) plants and district sites prior to development, to provide initial heating schemes. land remediation in a multi-functional and cost- effective manner.
53. Christopher J. French, Nicholas M. Dickinson and Philip D. Putwain (2005) Woody biomass phytoremediation of contaminated brownfield land. University of Liverpool. ENVIRONMENTAL INFRASTRUCTURE 91 GUIDANCE – MAIN REPORT 02.5 5 10 Km
Figure xx Green Belt
92 Water Resources Trends indicate that water quality is Due to water supply extraction, certain areas decreasing and water pollution is increasing of the Black Country, to the east and west, are in the Black Country. 54 According to national classified as groundwater protection zones. In performance indicators, the waterways in these areas in particular, surface water should all four authority areas are classified as in be captured and treated before it is allowed the lowest quartile in terms of water quality, to infiltrate into the ground and replenish the indicating high levels of water pollution. supply aquifers. The location of the nitrate Pollution could be due to industrial discharges, vulnerable zones, canals and inland water sewage overflows and contamination from bodies in the Black Country are shown in the surface water runoff. All of the Black Country is figure below. classified as a surface water nitrate vulnerable zone for this reason. Accordingly, the capture The restoration of floodplains and stormwater and treatment of surface water along with attenuation areas also reduce water pollution. the cleansing of waterways themselves is an They store water in times of excess and important role for environmental infrastructure release it in dryer periods. In light of a in the Black Country. diminishing water resource, this intervention can help support river flows and water Groundwater resources are also vulnerable availability in summer and can help aquifers to pollution. It is vital that redevelopment recharge. 56 recognises the need to conserve and protect ground water that can often be in close contact with contaminated soil. Ground water is a vulnerable resource that not only feeds rivers, but also supports aquifers. These in turn supply water to people and agriculture. It is vital that development of the Black Country recognises the importance of protecting this vulnerable resource. 55
54. West Midlands Regional Assembly. Black Country Study: Environment Technical Report: Quality of Place 55. West Midlands Regional Assembly. Black Country Study: Environment Technical Report: Quality of Place 56. Environment Agency. Wetland Vision. Available: http://www.wetlandvision.org.uk/ ENVIRONMENTAL INFRASTRUCTURE 93 GUIDANCE – MAIN REPORT Wolverhampton Walsall
West Bromwich
Dudley
01 2 4 Miles
Figure 36: Waterways and Nitrate vulnerability
94 The filtration and treatment of local water resources increases the potential to provide water locally. Like carbon reduction targets, there are also increasing standards for water reduction in new development under the Code for Sustainable Homes and BREEAM targets. Provision of natural water treatment features provides a low carbon and low cost way of recycling water in some cases. Water treatment initiatives can be integrated as part of a wider SUDS scheme, and in some cases can also be used to treat greywater or wastewater. The Black Country is classified by the Environment Agency as an area of ‘Moderate’ water stress as shown in the figure below.
Figure 36: Waterways and Nitrate vulnerability 57
57. Identifying areas of water stress, Environment Agency, (2007). http://publications.environment-agency.gov.uk/pdf/GEHO0107BLUT-e-e.pdf ENVIRONMENTAL INFRASTRUCTURE 95 58. Scott Wilson. Black Country Water Cycle Study. Available: http://publications.environment-agency.gov.uk/pdf/GEHO0107BLUT-e-e.pdf GUIDANCE – MAIN REPORT Opportunities for Environmental Infrastructure in Response to the Objective 60% of water supplies for the Black Country The baseline analysis above has highlighted • The Black Country is vulnerable to surface come from surface water, which climate roles that environmental infrastructure could water flooding and pollution, and water change will affect. Climate change is predicted play in managing resources locally, directly treatment features can be used to cleanse to cause fewer problems for groundwater connected to environmental and economic stormwater runoff and to directly improve sources. Water in the Black Country is needs in the sub-region: water quality of waterways; sourced from both surface water sources (the River Severn and the Blithfield Reservoir) • Providing vegetation and trees improves • Some areas of the sub-region also have along with a series of groundwater boreholes. air quality in key air pollution management sensitive groundwater aquifers, where The Black Country lies in the operational areas; water capture and treatment will be very areas of both Severn Trent (ST) and Southern important before water is allowed to • Providing local land or facilities to grow Staffordshire Water (SSW). ST provides infiltrate and recharge those aquifers; and food and materials to meet community supplies to Wolverhampton in the northwest demand; • Water scarcity risk is also an issue for corner of the Black Country and parts of the the area and is likely to increase with southwest corner around Stourbridge and • Use of land, particularly derelict sites, the effects of climate change. There Halesowen. SSW provides water supplies to either temporarily or permanently to is therefore a need to provide natural the population centres of Dudley, Sandwell grow bio-crops that can supply new and features that can assist in local water and Walsall. The water demand from ST existing development with a source of low recycling and supply. customers is increasing and this will require carbon fuel while also diversifying the local further groundwater abstraction and the economy; The needs for local resource management implementation of water demand management have been combined into a benefit map for the measures to mitigate environmental • The growth of bio-crops or other area in the figure below. The map combines consequences that follow. The water supply vegetation can also be used on priority areas for air quality management, from SSW should be sufficient for growth until contaminated sites prior to development land remediation, groundwater protection and 2035 if water demand reduction initiatives to help to remediate the soil through surface water management. are introduced. 58 Environmental infrastructure phytoremediation processes; will play a key role in water recycling, water • Biomass is a by-product of woodland, treatment and groundwater aquifer recharge park and street tree management and this to ensure water is both available and of a high material can contribute towards the fueling quality. of biomass CHP plants established in growth area development;
96 EIG Principles The resources and functions that environmental assets support should be supported: • Opportunities should be sought to utilise environmental interventions, such as rain water gardens and swales manage water resources. • Vacant and underutilised land can offer should be used to generate resources. These uses may be permanent or temporary and could include: - Food growing through urban farming and allotments - Supporting the creation of a biomass and wood fuel market by growing short rotation coppice - Utilising natural remediation processes, such as phytoremediation
Figure 38: Priority areas for environmental infrastructure for efficient resource management
ENVIRONMENTAL INFRASTRUCTURE 97 GUIDANCE – MAIN REPORT Objective 8: Building Resilience to Climate Change Support climate change adaptation measures
Contribution of Environmental Infrastructure to the Objective Urban greenspace and trees A range of environmental infrastructure Parks, gardens, groves and street trees can A quantitative assessment of the benefits of Akbari et al 66 also monitored peak-power and measures are available to help us and the help to reduce the impact of hotter summer green infrastructure in urban environments, cooling-energy savings from shade trees in natural environment adapt to climate change temperature by providing natural cooling Gill 62 found that an additional 10% green cover two houses in Sacramento, California. The and to improve our resilience when confronted and shade. Greenspaces make for a more in high density urban areas could moderate study showed that, on average, trees can with more extreme weather events. Adaptation comfortable urban environment by providing temperatures sufficiently to entirely counteract cool down buildings by about 0.3ºC to 1ºC is defined by the Intergovernmental Panel on shaded connectivity between two places, for warming in Manchester due to climate change at 2 pm; in some cases the temperature was Climate Change (IPCC) as: instance. Mature trees reduce the amount until 2050. Conversely, a 10% reduction in decreased by up to 3ºC. The shading and of direct sunlight that reaches buildings and green cover will exacerbate the warming microclimate effects of the trees at the two ‘any adjustment in natural or human street surfaces helping to limit the urban heat effect, increasing surface temperatures by monitored houses yielded seasonal cooling systems in response to actual or island effect. Urban greenspace can also have 3-4ºC in high emissions scenarios for 2080. energy savings of 30%, corresponding to expected climatic stimuli or their effects, a flood management role, providing water average savings of 3.6 and 4.8 kWh/day. Peak which moderates harm or exploits storage and attenuation. 59 Land sealing in urban areas reduces infiltration demand savings for the same houses were beneficial opportunities’. rates to groundwater stores and increases the 0.6 and 0.8 kW (about 27% savings in one Green spaces create cooler microclimates impact of surface water runoff. Greenspace house and 42% in the other). Environmental infrastructure components will through evapo-transpiration. Water is helps manage this flood risk by intercepting be invaluable natural adaption interventions. released through a leaf’s pores, and when it rainwater and providing conduits for surface Beside social and ecological functions, it can evaporates energy is absorbed from the air water to infiltrate the soil 63 . Because winter help with flood alleviation by making space giving a cooling effect. In greenspaces, which precipitation will increase in the Black Country, for water to be stored in waterbodies or to are greater than 1 hectare in size, the effect additional urban greenspace alone may not recharge groundwater while maintaining can be sufficiently pronounced to develop a be sufficient to significantly reduce rising water quality by metabolising pollutants. distinctive microclimate. 60 flood risks 64 Greenspace can be specifically In urban environments it can help regulate designed to provide this service and is temperatures by reducing the urban heat The shade provided by mature trees discussed below as Sustainable Drainage island effect. When applied in a coordinated on streets and in parks also reduces Systems (SUDS). manner it offers a sustainable and low cost temperatures locally. In addition, they play method to adapt to some of the challenges an important role in protecting the soil below. Several studies have begun to model the posed by climate change. In times of drought shallow soils can dry out, effect of vegetation on temperature and losing their ability to cool. The protection consequential building energy demand The following sections discuss various types from direct sunlight that larger trees afford in detail. Akbari and Taha 65 simulated the of Environmental Infrastructure which will play can slow this process. 61 Shading from trees wind-shielding impact of trees on heating- a key part as natural adaptation interventions. also plays a role in mitigating the urban heat energy use in four Canadian cities. For island effect. By shielding building facades several prototypical residential buildings, they and street surfaces from the sun, the amount estimated heating-energy savings in the range of energy the built fabric stores during the day of 10–15%. is reduced, and the urban heat island effect mitigated. The role of trees is also critical in reducing overheating in homes and offices.
59. Forestry Commission (2005) Climate Change and British Woodland. 60. Gill, S. E. et al. Adapting Cities for Climate Change: The Role of the Green Infrastructure. 98 Available: http://gis.fs.fed.us/psw/programs/cufr/products/12/psw_cufr701_Gill_Adapting_Cities.pdf 61. Gill, ibid. 62. Gill, ibid. 63. Handley, J. Adaptation Strategies for Climate Change in the Urban Environment (ASCCUE). Narrative report for GR/S19233/01. School of Environment and Development, University of Manchester. Available: http://www.sed.manchester.ac.uk/research/cure/downloads/asccue_epsrc_report.pdf 64. Gill, ibid. 65. Akbari, H. and H. Taha. 1992. “The Impact of Trees and White Surfaces on Residential Heating and Cooling Energy Use in Four Canadian Cities,” Energy, the International Journal, 17(2):141-149. 66. Akbari, H., S. Bretz, D. Kurn, and J. Hanford. 1997. “Peak Power and Cooling Energy Savings of High -Albedo Roofs, ” Energy and Buildings 25:117 -126. Urban Bluespace and SUDS Green roofs and Living Walls (Building-Integrated Vegetation) Further moderating surface temperatures Conventional piped surface drainage systems The addition of SUDS and trees to urban overheating in the rooms below. Green roofs through evaporative cooling, blue collect large volumes of water in urban areas. areas can be challenging due to the inherent have been shown to reduce roof temperatures infrastructure, such as waterways and inland It is then discharged downstream – often space constraints. While there is potential to to ambient temperatures by increasing albedo water bodies, can complement the role of directly into watercourses. This can reduce adapt parkland to store more surface water, (reflectivity), shielding building materials trees and greenspaces. In drought conditions, the amount of water which is allowed to green roofs and walls take advantage of from the sun and storing water in substrates when the cooling effects of lawns in green infiltrate into the ground to recharge aquifers. underutilised urban spaces and provide multi- which provides evapo-transpirative cooling. spaces have been impaired, the role of urban SUDS systems allow a greater proportion of functional benefits through flood management, Conventional roofs have been shown to be water becomes more pronounced. 67 rainfall to contribute to natural water stores, biodiversity and by managing the heat island 40ºC hotter than green roofs on a summer’s helping maintain river flows and public effect. midday. In North America, where summers Sustainable Drainage Systems (SUDS) water resources in dry periods. 68 The rapid can be extremely hot, there have been are an approach to site drainage whereby discharge of water into watercourses has Rain falling on conventional roofs moves concerns over the effects of urban heat natural processes are emulated in order to the effect of drying the built environment and rapidly towards drains. Green roofs are an islands for some time. The New York Heat reduce surface water flow volumes and to its soils, further exacerbating the urban heat element of SUDS, providing source control Island Initiative has used computer modelling improve water quality. SUDS are formed by island effect. Reversing this trend through by retaining much of the water in the roof’s to predict that greening 50% of roofs within the integrating a range of components, such as the use of SUDS will help combat increasing substrate and evaporating more back into metropolitan area would lead to between 0.1 green roofs, ponds and swales, to provide temperatures as well as floods. the atmosphere. The amount is dependent and 0.8°C reduction in average summertime local flood management. As with other natural on the depth and type of substrate and other surface temperatures. 71 interventions, SUDS are multi-functional, SUDS are not ‘one size fits all’ and the design environmental conditions but in summer, yielding a range of ancillary benefits. Water efficacy of the system will be dependent green roofs can retain 70-80% of rainfall and Greening roofs in areas with a high proportion quality is improved, groundwater is recharged on its location and context. 69 Contaminated 25-40% in winter 70 . By retaining and slowing of buildings, for example in town centres, and habitats are created. land issues in the Black Country mean that the release of water in periods of heavy high-density residential, retail and industrial SUDS systems may need to be lined in some rainfall, green roofs help reduce peak flows. areas are an effective strategy to keep surface locations. temperatures below the baseline level for The temperature on a conventional roof may all time periods and emissions scenarios. 72 exceed 70ºC on a hot summer day and, This approach has been adopted in Greater even with insulation, this tends to cause Manchester (see case study below), where the retrofitting of green roofs has been recommended for core inner city areas where opportunities to create new parks and for tree planting are limited. 73
67. Gill, ibid. 68. Environment Agency (2003) ibid 69. Defra (2005) Making Space for Water. Available: http://www.defra.gov.uk/environment/ flooding/documents/policy/strategy/strategy-response1.pdf 70. Environment Agency. Green Roof Toolkit. http://www.environment-agency.gov.uk/ business/sectors/91967.aspx 71. Rosenzweig, C., S. Gaffi n, and L. Parshall (Eds.) 2006. Green Roofs in the New York Metropolitan Region: Research Report. Columbia University Center for Climate Systems Research and NASA Goddard Institute for Space Studies. New York. Available: http://www.ccsr.columbia.edu/cig/greenroofs/index.html 72. Gill, ibid. 73. Drivers Jonas and AECOM (2009) Green Roof Strategy for Manchester. Available: http://www.djdeloitte.co.uk/uk.aspx?doc=33709 74. Defra (2005) ibid. 75. Woodland Trust (2008) Woodland actions for biodiversity and their role in water management. 76. Defra (2005) ibid. 77. Defra (2005) ibid.
ENVIRONMENTAL INFRASTRUCTURE 99 GUIDANCE – MAIN REPORT Forestry and Woodlands Floodplains In the UK, woodlands cover relatively small Artificial flood banks have traditionally been areas and tend to be isolated. By increasing created along rivers to constrain and direct woodland area and interconnecting woodlands their flow. This has increased the availability with complementary habitats into ecological and productivity of high quality agricultural networks it is possible to provide more robust land on floodplains. Making Space for Water, 76 ecosystem services and strengthened social a Defra report advocates a less interventionist functions. Like other green infrastructure approach to flooding through the restoration elements, forests and woodlands increase of flood plains. By allowing natural flood biodiversity, clean and manage our water, management processes, engineered defences metabolise air pollution and help conserve further downstream can be avoided. This soil. change of land use can reduce the cost of flood defence while restoring biodiverse Woodlands help mitigate flood risks by habitats and improving river water quality. managing surface water flow rates. Trees in the upper catchment help attenuate peak Reopening floodplains, widening river flows, providing respite further downstream. corridors and setting back flood banks allows Targeted plantations may be effective in space for excess flows to be temporarily reducing run-off and improving water quality. 74 redirected and stored, effectively reducing The Woodland Trust 75 has developed a flood risk for settlements and infrastructure guidance document that describes the role of downstream. 77 With flood banks set back, a woodlands in water management. wider corridor is created for wetland habitats.
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