NATURA

Natura
Natura
The pictures in this article were taken in open areas in
Nottingham; at Attenborough Nature Reserve, Wollaton
Park and on campus at University of Nottingham.
It is believed that having green areas within cities is
important for several reasons, including both mental
and physical effects. Open areas increase the quality of
life in many ways, both directly as well as affecting environmental
factors such as air and water quality. Also by
filtering wind and noise or what is called microclimate
stabilization.
How can open city areas be used? There are almost
infinite ways of using open areas, varying from having a
picnic in parks and gardens or doing exercises, walking,
running or cycling. For dog owners, open areas where
dogs can run around freely are of great importance.
Many people find it relaxing to go bird watching or exploring
plants or other wildlife, for them the importance
of open areas is huge.
When walking around in good weather in open areas
like in Attenborough Nature Reserve, it can easily be
seen how important these areas are for the local people.
Families gathering and enjoying themselves, fishermans
sitting by the water, kids playing and in good weather
people sitting and enjoying the sun. In some places
certain events are planned, like games or other group
activities. In the University Park, the writer has seen a
battle, football game, rugby and a lot of other activities
taking place.
One big importance of open areas within cities is their
use in education. Having the opportunity to learn about
nature in natural or almost natural environment is of
great value. To be able to use places like Wollaton Park
for taking pictures on a photographic course is also a
great benefit. Research have shown that these areas
should be something to take notice of when planning
cities and for the recent years awareness considering that
has increased.
In Nottingham, the city council looks after 136 parks
and gardens across the city. On their webpage informations
about activity in the parks, opening hours,
biodiversity and other things regarding the parks can be
found http://www.nottinghamcity.gov.uk. The author
of this article has only stayed in Nottingham for six
months.
When arriving in Nottingham from a small country
with a total population only half that of Nottingham,
changes are huge. Having a place like Attenborough
Nature Reserve means a lot, to be able to step out of the
concrete environment with all its people and traffic is
of great value. The nature reserves also provide a great
opportunity to get to know the nature of the area.
In recent years the realization of the importance of
conservation and sustainability has grown. Nowadays,
the planning of urban environment has started to take
notice of these factors. One way is to use roofs as places
for gardening, create more space where the citizens can
grow their own vegetables, as well as to increase the
space used for parks and open areas.
Image 29. Landscape with an analogue camera.
Image 30.Wollaton Park. [Non-marked]
Image 31. Landscape with an analogue camera.
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