Green spaces for wildlife adaptation

The design and management of green space needs to make a priority of enhancing biodiversity and establishing links to the wider network of green infrastructure.

Greenwich Millennium Village incorporates a new, man-made wildlife park. Photo by Greenwich Millennium Village Ltd.

Within green spaces there are opportunities to create habitats. Tree and shrub planting will be important in this respect, alongside wildflower meadows. Water features can be beneficial for wildlife and also provide cooling for people, and potentially irrigation for the rest of the green space during droughts. In addition, they can act as sustainable urban drainage systems to help reduce flooding. Think about reviewing park and green space facilities to identify opportunities to develop wildlife education.

A green approach might also include reviewing management practices and adopting new approaches to support a greater range of wildlife within the parks. For example, consider leaving suitable areas unmown – this will also reduce carbon emissions associated with site management).

The Greater London Authority provides useful guidance in Parks, People and Nature for enhancing natural habitats in parks and green spaces in a changing climate. This includes a number of case studies from around London. One example it considers is Whittington Park in Islington. In just four hectares this urban neighbourhood park manages to accommodate a football pitch, two playgrounds, skate park, dog walking areas, a woodland and a wild flower meadow, thereby providing for local recreational needs as well wildlife habitat support.

Priority: help wildlife adapt to climate change
Tags: green infrastructure, neighbourhoods, buildings and spaces