Sustainability
How to...manage sites for biodiversity and heritage
Cleaner, Safer, Greener, ODPM, 2004
How to...create sustainable spaces
Cleaner, Safer, Greener, ODPM, 2004
Case studies:
For years, community groups have been campaigning to save valued parks and green space from unnecessary development. Find out about how some of them went about it and what happened. Click on a link to find out more...Sustainability and renewables
Friends of St Nicholas Fields
Organic development and promotion
Furncade Parade Regeneration
Novers Park Regeneration Project
Environmental Management Systems application case study
Removing traffic from parks
Biodiversity management and strategies
Community Woodland Project
Furncade Parade regeneration
GIS biodiversity management
Grove Park Regeneration Project
Lakes Improvement Scheme
Rainham Marshes RSPB Nature Reserve
Sustainability and renewables
Friends of St Nicholas Fields
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Friends of St Nicholas Fields
St Nicholas Fields
York
This is a community-managed urban nature park with a wildlife habitat as well as educational areas, such as an eco-centre (using solar power, rainwater purification etc) and a discovery centre for local history and heritage. Once the area was prepared, the Friends Group began fundraising for an education and community centre at a cost of £300,000 over five years, which was claimed to be the first sustainable building in the country open to the public. The ‘Friends’ have successfully implemented schemes such as the community-recycling project backed by a year’s funding from the Department of Education and Employment, and the planning of 20 sustainable housing units in the future.
Alan Smith T: 01782 411000
St Nicholas Fields
York
This is a community-managed urban nature park with a wildlife habitat as well as educational areas, such as an eco-centre (using solar power, rainwater purification etc) and a discovery centre for local history and heritage. Once the area was prepared, the Friends Group began fundraising for an education and community centre at a cost of £300,000 over five years, which was claimed to be the first sustainable building in the country open to the public. The ‘Friends’ have successfully implemented schemes such as the community-recycling project backed by a year’s funding from the Department of Education and Employment, and the planning of 20 sustainable housing units in the future.
Alan Smith T: 01782 411000
Organic development and promotion
Beacontree Organic Growers
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Beacontree Organic Growers
Beacontree allotments
Dagenha
This was a three-acre area of neglected allotments smothered in brambles when in 1994 the group started to manage the land. The group’s main aims are to promote organic growing for health and environmental reasons. A business plan has been drawn up and resources identified in order to meet this objective. There are now 14 members and six shareholding trustees. Beacontree Organic Growers negotiated a ten-year lease and are planning to have employed workers, for which they are applying to the Heritage Lottery Fund, although it is their aim that the project as a whole should not be reliant on outside support. Members do not feel they have an end point to reach. The group appreciate the value of networking extensively, something they attribute to exploiting every situation open to them, visiting other projects, joining relevant organisations and meeting like-minded people.
Barry Watson T: 020 8592 8941
Beacontree allotments
Dagenha
This was a three-acre area of neglected allotments smothered in brambles when in 1994 the group started to manage the land. The group’s main aims are to promote organic growing for health and environmental reasons. A business plan has been drawn up and resources identified in order to meet this objective. There are now 14 members and six shareholding trustees. Beacontree Organic Growers negotiated a ten-year lease and are planning to have employed workers, for which they are applying to the Heritage Lottery Fund, although it is their aim that the project as a whole should not be reliant on outside support. Members do not feel they have an end point to reach. The group appreciate the value of networking extensively, something they attribute to exploiting every situation open to them, visiting other projects, joining relevant organisations and meeting like-minded people.
Barry Watson T: 020 8592 8941
Vicarage Garden
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BTCV , Brixton LETS EAT group
Vicarage Garden
Brixton, South London
A large neglected vicarage garden in inner city Brixton has been turned into an organic allotment, wildlife haven and community garden by BTCV and the Brixton LETS EAT group (a Local Exchange Trading System, a national bartering scheme through which members of a group trade goods and services with one another without using money). Work started in November 1994, to make a small, walled area behind the vicarage into an allotment, on which crops of salads, beans, leeks, courgettes and other vegetables have been grown. A large bog-garden for wildlife has been created, and quickly took on an established appearance with a wide variety of invertebrate and bird life attracted to it. Workdays are held each month.
BTCV Lambeth (switchboard 020 7587 3723)
Vicarage Garden
Brixton, South London
A large neglected vicarage garden in inner city Brixton has been turned into an organic allotment, wildlife haven and community garden by BTCV and the Brixton LETS EAT group (a Local Exchange Trading System, a national bartering scheme through which members of a group trade goods and services with one another without using money). Work started in November 1994, to make a small, walled area behind the vicarage into an allotment, on which crops of salads, beans, leeks, courgettes and other vegetables have been grown. A large bog-garden for wildlife has been created, and quickly took on an established appearance with a wide variety of invertebrate and bird life attracted to it. Workdays are held each month.
BTCV Lambeth (switchboard 020 7587 3723)
Environmental Management Systems application case study
London Borough of Brent
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London Borough of Brent
City-wide
North London
The London Borough of Brent has developed Environmental Management Systems for all its green space across the borough, involving suppliers, contractors, and other council services in order to improve environmental standards. Improvements such as the soil association organic standard being achieved at one park as well as a Green Flag Award, and reduced pesticide use have been evident.
Leslie Williams (Community Parks Officer) T: 020 8937 5619
City-wide
North London
The London Borough of Brent has developed Environmental Management Systems for all its green space across the borough, involving suppliers, contractors, and other council services in order to improve environmental standards. Improvements such as the soil association organic standard being achieved at one park as well as a Green Flag Award, and reduced pesticide use have been evident.
Leslie Williams (Community Parks Officer) T: 020 8937 5619
Biodiversity management and strategies
Community Woodland Project
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Basingstoke and Deane BC
Oakham and Chineham area
Basingstoke, Hampshire
Basingstoke & Deane BC have developed the Community Woodland Project to enable active management of woodlands in the Borough. Involving the community in woodland management ensures the woodlands are managed as a resource for the local community, and that nature conservation value is enhanced.
Jonathan Forsyth (Community Woodland Officer) T: 01256 845434
Oakham and Chineham area
Basingstoke, Hampshire
Basingstoke & Deane BC have developed the Community Woodland Project to enable active management of woodlands in the Borough. Involving the community in woodland management ensures the woodlands are managed as a resource for the local community, and that nature conservation value is enhanced.
Jonathan Forsyth (Community Woodland Officer) T: 01256 845434
Furncade Parade regeneration
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BTCV , Groundwork
Furncade Parade
Tipton, West Midlands
The wooded area of the site became overgrown with scrub and was a haven for unsocial and criminal activity. BTCV and approximately 15 local residents worked together over several weekends to remove the perimeter fence, cut down areas of scrub, thin out the trees and open up parts of the woodland to improve visibility. The aim was to create a ‘meadow woodland’, with standard trees that have a high, light canopy with grass and herbs beneath. In autumn 1995, three days of woodland activities such as charcoal burning and woodland crafts were held with Groundwork, and over 400 people attended. The crime and vandalism has completely disappeared from the site, which has been transformed into a local asset instead of a liability.
BTCV Tipton
Furncade Parade
Tipton, West Midlands
The wooded area of the site became overgrown with scrub and was a haven for unsocial and criminal activity. BTCV and approximately 15 local residents worked together over several weekends to remove the perimeter fence, cut down areas of scrub, thin out the trees and open up parts of the woodland to improve visibility. The aim was to create a ‘meadow woodland’, with standard trees that have a high, light canopy with grass and herbs beneath. In autumn 1995, three days of woodland activities such as charcoal burning and woodland crafts were held with Groundwork, and over 400 people attended. The crime and vandalism has completely disappeared from the site, which has been transformed into a local asset instead of a liability.
BTCV Tipton
GIS biodiversity management
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Mersey Valley Countryside Warden Service
Kenworthy Wood
Manchester
The wood is mapped on a GIS with detailed biodiversity survey work being conducted as part of an innovative Biodiversity project. GIS local census data is used to understand the community profile. There is a strong partnership with local community groups, voluntary sector organisations and the Co-operative Bank. The work of the Warden service was recognised in the Best Value Pilot Review 1999/2000. Sustainability has been demonstrated to the public on many levels, working with schools developing design and practical skills, as well as conservation volunteers being trained in traditional hedging techniques.
Steve Marshall (Countryside Warden Service) T: 0161 881 5639
Kenworthy Wood
Manchester
The wood is mapped on a GIS with detailed biodiversity survey work being conducted as part of an innovative Biodiversity project. GIS local census data is used to understand the community profile. There is a strong partnership with local community groups, voluntary sector organisations and the Co-operative Bank. The work of the Warden service was recognised in the Best Value Pilot Review 1999/2000. Sustainability has been demonstrated to the public on many levels, working with schools developing design and practical skills, as well as conservation volunteers being trained in traditional hedging techniques.
Steve Marshall (Countryside Warden Service) T: 0161 881 5639
Grove Park Regeneration Project
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Environment Agency, London Borough of Lewisham, Groundwork Thames Gateway and Quaggy Waterways Action Group
Chinbrook Meadows
Lewisham, south London
Chin Brook ran through the site in a sterile concrete channel which caused flooding and provided little opportunity for wildlife. A £1 million project to restore the river to its natural state provided the focus to the redesign of the entire park. A new river channel was introduced, meandering with seasonal ponds, greatly increasing biodiversity of the site. An outdoor classroom was also a major feature, as was the development of a timber boardwalk and a bridge to improve accessibility, with the site being part of South East London’s Green Chain Walk. A resident’s steering group was established to provide a link to local opinion throughout the project and they hope to go on to form a Friends Group.
Conrad Young (LB Lewisham) T: 020 8314 2119; Sally Arscott (Groundwork Thames Gateway) T: 020 8694 5000.
Chinbrook Meadows
Lewisham, south London
Chin Brook ran through the site in a sterile concrete channel which caused flooding and provided little opportunity for wildlife. A £1 million project to restore the river to its natural state provided the focus to the redesign of the entire park. A new river channel was introduced, meandering with seasonal ponds, greatly increasing biodiversity of the site. An outdoor classroom was also a major feature, as was the development of a timber boardwalk and a bridge to improve accessibility, with the site being part of South East London’s Green Chain Walk. A resident’s steering group was established to provide a link to local opinion throughout the project and they hope to go on to form a Friends Group.
Conrad Young (LB Lewisham) T: 020 8314 2119; Sally Arscott (Groundwork Thames Gateway) T: 020 8694 5000.
Lakes Improvement Scheme
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London Borough of Wandsworth
Battersea Park, King George’s Park
Wandsworth, South London
As part of the London Lakes Project, three lakes in the borough were restored, improving water quality, biodiversity and visual appearance, starting in 1996 and lasting between one and two years. Bore holed water was used to top up the water level, and bird numbers were monitored and controlled, especially Canada geese. The project was funded by a £3 million grant, which also financed consultation. Excellent results have been seen, with all park users, fishermen and biodiversity benefiting, and remaining very popular with local residents.
Jenny Ullman (Chief Parks Officer) T: 020 8871 7530
Battersea Park, King George’s Park
Wandsworth, South London
As part of the London Lakes Project, three lakes in the borough were restored, improving water quality, biodiversity and visual appearance, starting in 1996 and lasting between one and two years. Bore holed water was used to top up the water level, and bird numbers were monitored and controlled, especially Canada geese. The project was funded by a £3 million grant, which also financed consultation. Excellent results have been seen, with all park users, fishermen and biodiversity benefiting, and remaining very popular with local residents.
Jenny Ullman (Chief Parks Officer) T: 020 8871 7530
Rainham Marshes RSPB Nature Reserve
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RSPB
Rainham Marshes
North-West Kent
Situated on the Greater London-Essex border, this is now one of London’s largest nature reserves since it was acquired by the RSPB. It is a major regeneration project with huge opportunities for community involvement and environmental engagement. Rainham was bought at a cost of £1.1m, through a combination of RSPB membership contributions, the Heritage Lottery Fund and the Cleanaway Havering Riverside Trust (using Landfill Tax Credits). The project is, however, only beginning, and large-scale habitat restoration is planned as well as the provision of visitor facilities and establishing outreach programmes.
RSPB (Press office 01767 681577)
Rainham Marshes
North-West Kent
Situated on the Greater London-Essex border, this is now one of London’s largest nature reserves since it was acquired by the RSPB. It is a major regeneration project with huge opportunities for community involvement and environmental engagement. Rainham was bought at a cost of £1.1m, through a combination of RSPB membership contributions, the Heritage Lottery Fund and the Cleanaway Havering Riverside Trust (using Landfill Tax Credits). The project is, however, only beginning, and large-scale habitat restoration is planned as well as the provision of visitor facilities and establishing outreach programmes.
RSPB (Press office 01767 681577)