Green Infrastructure Guide for the East Midlands - River Nene ...

CONTENTS4 Introduction6 What is Green Infrastructure?7 PrinciplesLandscape Character/Historic Environment9 Case Study 1: The Derwent Valley Mills World Heritage Site – Derbyshire10 Case Study 2: Pleasley Pit Country Park – Derbyshire11 Case Study 3: Restoring the Landscape of Kinder Plateau – Peak District, DerbyshireBiodiversity13 Case Study 4: Strategic Partnerships Along River Corridors (SPARC) – East Midlands14 Case Study 5: Mercaston & Markeaton Brooks Project – Derby15 Case Study 6: Delivering Green Infrastructure in the Farmed Landscape:The Grange – Cotham, NottinghamshireWoodland17 Case Study 7: Top Lodge Fineshade Wood Visitor Centre – Northamptonshire18 Case Study 8: Salcey Forest Phase Two Canopy Walk – Northamptonshire19 Case Study 9: Creating the Heart of The National Forest in the Ashby Woulds – DerbyshireSport & Recreation21 Case Study 10: Stanwick Lakes Countryside Attraction & Nature Reserve – Northamptonshire22 Case Study 11: Watermead Country Park – Leicestershire23 Case Study 12: Trent Valley Greenway – Long Eaton, DerbyshireNatural Processes & Environmental Systems25 Case Study 13: Wash Banks Flood Defence Scheme – Lincolnshire26 Case Study 14: The EPIC Centre Project – Lincolnshire27 Case Study 15: The Avenue Washlands – Chesterfield, Derbyshire28 Case Study 16: Upton Sustainable Urban Drainage System (SuDS) – NorthamptonManaging Urban Spaces30 Case Study 17: Stepping Stones Project – Central Leicestershire31 Case Study 18: Breathing Spaces: Central Northampton Connections – NorthamptonshireDesign33 Case Study 19: Sherwood Energy Village – New Ollerton, North Nottinghamshire34 Case Study 20: The EcoHouse – LeicesterCommunity Involvement36 Case Study 21: Greenwood Community Forest – Nottinghamshire37 Case Study 22: RNRP Green Infrastructure Environmental Grant Scheme - NorthamptonshireLandscape Scale Connectivity39 Case Study 23: Breathing Spaces: The Northampton to Wellingborough reach of theRiver Nene – Northamptonshire40 Case Study 24: Lincoln Sub-Regional Country Park – Lincolnshsire41 Case Study 25: Whisby Nature Park – LincolnshsireStrategic Framework & Delivery Programme44 Case Study 26: Northamptonshire’s Environmental Character Assessment andGreen Infrastructure Suite (ECA and GI Suite) – Northamptonshire45 Case Study 27: Core Spatial Strategy – North Northamptonshire46 Case Study 28: GI Interim Planning Guidance (IPG) Note 11 (Sept 2008) –Mansfield District, Nottinghamshire

INTRODUCTIONDERWENT MILLS LANDSCAPEA GREEN INFRASTRUCTURE GUIDE FOR THE EAST MIDLANDSGreen Infrastructure (GI) is a term which has evolved in recent yearswithin Government social and regeneration policies to describe thenetwork of greenspaces and natural elements that intersperse andconnect our cities, villages and towns. In urban situations, GIcomplements and balances the built environment; in rural settings itprovides a framework for sustainable economies and biodiversity. Inbetween, it links town and country and interconnects widerenvironmental processes. GI is a holistic approach to viewing thenatural environment which acknowledges the multiple benefits andvital functions it provides for the economy, wildlife, local people,communities and cultural assets alike.Green Infrastructure (GI) is described in the emerging Revised EastMidlands Regional Plan as:“Networks of multi-functional green space which sit within andcontribute to, the type of high quality natural and built environmentrequired to deliver sustainable communities. Delivering, protectingand enhancing these networks requires the creation of new assets tolink with river corridors, woodlands, nature reserves, urban greenspaces, historic sites and other existing assets.”We believe GI can and should, seek to provide multi-functional benefitsto the region’s people and wildlife. These benefits should include thosefor biodiversity protection and enhancement, sport and recreation,cultural experiences, health enhancement, food production, educationand contributing to wider environmental services such as sustainabledrainage and flood protection. They should also contribute to solutionsto other issues such as air pollution and climate change mitigation. Inachieving this GI delivery we consider it should be provided at allspatial scales and from individual sites, within urban centres throughto the landscape scale and be designed and delivered from the outsetof any development process.Governmental commitment to economic and population growth in theSouth East and South Midlands (the so called “Growth Areas”) has nowbeen complemented by the announcement of Growth Points in the EastMidlands for the Three Cities and Three Counties (the 6Cs) as well asNewark, Grantham, Lincoln and Gainsborough. These growth areasand growth points are accompanied by a commitment to infrastructureimprovements, to include the integration of GI into the developmentprocess. The high levels of growth proposed present a challenge tothe region, that of ensuring that GI is integrated from the outset ofthe process.This has resulted in the development of initiatives such as the RiverNene Regional Park, which fostered the concept of GI and supportsthe development and implementation of strategic and local GIinitiatives, and the securing of benefits from planning gain. Examplesof this GI delivery are hailed around the region, and nationally, asexemplars of good practice.This is of course not a new trend. Initiatives such as the CommunityForests and the National Forest have shown how formerly private ordegraded land can be regenerated and brought into the public domainso that green infrastructure can perform many more functions ofbenefit to neighbourhoods. Through such contributions to healthierlifestyles, it is increasingly being recognised as a key factor central tothe agendas of sustainable communities, development and growth.There are numerous national policy priorities that may be deliveredthrough GI. At the regional level it is now firmly recognised as being acore component of the Regional Spatial Strategy, Regional EconomicStrategy as well as the Rural Development Framework. It is implicitlyrecognised in numerous other regional level strategy and policydocuments concerning planning, health, sport, biodiversity and culture.The East Midlands Regional Assembly (EMRA) and a number of itsregional partners commissioned the first regional GI study in 2005.The study was entitled the ‘East Midlands Green InfrastructureScoping Study’. This study investigated the potential for mapping thefunctionality of green infrastructure in a number of study areas acrossthe region, in order to identify whether GI provision and deficit couldbe mapped and assessed spatially. The study was successful inembedding the concept of GI as a component in successfulregeneration and as an integral part of ‘Environmental Infrastructure’– central to the region’s strategy for growth. The study alsosucceeded in promoting the concept of multifunctional use of greenspaces and green networks.A second study ‘Green Infrastructure for the East Midlands – A PublicBenefit Mapping Project’ was commissioned in order to provide astrategic view of where it is important to prioritise delivery of GI inthose areas where it is most needed, and where it will bring mostpublic benefit in terms of investment in GI delivery.EMRA and its regional partners are also developing the East MidlandsGreen Infrastructure Network (EMGIN) and associated website, inorder to further assist the work ongoing around the region to deliverGI at all levels.The purpose of this guide is to assist those around the region – localdelivery vehicles, local authorities and community based initiatives atlocal and sub regional level. It provides:n A checklist of GI planning and delivery principlesn Relevant best practice case studies from around the regionn Signposts to further resources and information | INTRODUCTION

INTRODUCTION |

WHAT IS GREENINFRASTRUCTURE?Green infrastructure (GI) can be delivered through a planned networkof multifunctional greenspaces and interconnecting links which isdesigned, developed and managed to meet the environmental, socialand economic needs of communities across the Region. It is setwithin and contributes to, a high natural and built environment and isrequired to enhance the quality of life for present and future residentsand visitors and to deliver ‘liveability’ for sustainable communities.GREEN INFRASTRUCTURE ASSETSGI consists of public and private assets, with and without publicaccess in urban and rural locations, including:n Allotmentsn Amenity space, including communal green spaces within housingareasn Green corridors and hedgerows, ditches, disused railways, vergesn Brownfield and greenfield sitesn Urban parks and gardensn Registered commons and village and town greensn Children’s play spacen Natural and semi-natural habitat for wildlifen Playing fieldsn Cemeteriesn Pocket parksn Country parksn Woodlandn Historic parks and gardens and historic landscapesn Nature reservesn Sites of Special Scientific Interest and Scheduled Monumentsn Locally designated heritage sites, including country wildlife sitesn Waterways and water bodies, including flooded quarriesn Development sites with potential for open space and linksn Land in agri-environmental managementn Public rights of way, cycleways and other recreational routesBENEFITS OF GREEN INFRASTRUCTUREWell designed and integrated GI can deliver a range of benefits, oftenin combination:n Improve health and mental well-beingn Promote a sense of communityn Help reduce crime, fear of crime and antisocial behaviourn Provide opportunity for exercise, sport, active recreation, spiritualwell-being and quiet contemplationn Improve health as a result of increased physical activity, suchas walkingn Provide community resources for learning and trainingn Provide opportunities for community involvementn Provide a leisure focus and attraction for people of all ages from theexisting and the growth communitiesn Help establish local identity or sense of placen Improve environmental quality e.g. better air and water quality, localclimate control and noise attenuationn Contribute to sustainable drainage and flood migrationn Provide the opportunity to protect, recreate and rehabilitatelandscapes and habitats damaged or lost by previous developmentor agricultural changen Help maintain and enhance biodiversityn Contribute to the protection, management and enhancement ofhistoric and natural sites and areasn Improve and sustain land valuesn Reduce land management costsn Provide an enhanced environmental backdrop that will assist inattracting business and inward investment | IWHAT IS GREEN INFRASTRUCTURE?

PRINCIPLESThe implementation of the Regional Spatial Strategy for the EastMidlands (RSS8) will be achieved by a number of differentorganisations and stakeholders. Therefore, it is important to establisha set of overarching GI planning and delivery principles to guidedevelopment in the Growth Areas.These principles should be adopted by all stakeholders to deliver‘liveability’ for new and existing communities and to create anattractive area for new economic and social investment. This willensure that all key players share a common purpose and find ways ofcombining skills and other resources in order to maximise theirimpact on the delivery of growth and regeneration.GREEN INFRASTRUCTURE SHOULD:n Contribute to the management, conservation and enhancement ofthe local landscapen Contribute to the protection, conservation and management ofhistoric landscape, archaeological and built heritage assetsn Maintain and enhance biodiversity to ensure that developmentand implementation results in a net gain of Biodiversity ActionPlan habitatsn Provide connectivity and avoid the fragmentation of habitats, sitesand natural features, to increase the potential for naturalregeneration and the migration of species of flora and fauna, whichmay be affected by changing climatic or other conditionsn Be designed to facilitate sustainable longer-term managementn Be delivered through enhancement of existing woodlands and alsoby the creation of new woodlands and forest areasn Create new recreational facilities particularly those that presentopportunities to link urban and countryside areasn Take account of and integrate with natural processes and systemsn Be managed and funded in urban areas to accommodate nature,wildlife and historic and cultural assets, and provide for sportand recreationn Be designed to high standards of quality and sustainability to deliversocial and economic, as well as environmental benefitsn Provide a focus for social inclusion, community development andlifelong learningThese principles are expanded and explained in the following sectionsof the guide.PRINCIPLES |

LANDSCAPE CHARACTER/HISTORIC ENVIRONMENTprinciplesn Green Infrastructure (GI) should contribute to the protection andenhancement of the historic dimension of the present landscape,including particular historic assets and their settingsn Ensure that all new development avoids damage to the existingdesignated, and locally important, sites and enhances them wherepossiblen Historic environment management plans should be produced forhistoric assets identified within GI networks, including options forconservation, enhancement and recreational and leisure usen New opportunities for access to historic sites should be sought,especially where they secure the restoration of ‘at risk’ assetsn Opportunities should be seized to take Scheduled Monuments out ofarable cultivation, in order to reduce damage to significantarchaeological sites by ongoing ploughingn Opportunities for the restoration or recreation of historic landscapesshould be identified, especially where they also restore or recreatewildlife habitatsn GI investment should support the restoration and management ofurban parks, historic parks and gardens and historic landscapes,particularly where these can also provide opportunities forcountryside access and to other historic sites and featuresn Locally distinctive materials and techniques should be usedwhere appropriaten The development of urban greenspace networks should takeaccount of the historic urban charactern GI proposals should be based on a sound understanding of the localhistoric environment, making use of information contained in localhistoric environment records and other databases, and utilisingspecialist techniques (such as characterisation) where appropriateFurther resourcesInformed Conservation: An introduction to the guidelinesEnglish Heritagewww.helm.org.ukTurning the PloughEnglish Heritagewww.english-heritage.org.ukLandscape Character Network – European LandscapeConvention 2000Landscape Character Network - Topic Paper 6, Techniques andcriteria for judging capacity and sensitivityLandscape Character Network - Topic Paper 5, Understandinghistoric landscape characterLandscape Character Networkwww.landscapecharacter.org.ukVictoria Park, Northampton | LANDSCAPE CHARACTER / HISTORIC ENVIRONMENT

CASE STUDY 1THE DERWENT VALLEY MILLS WORLD HERITAGESITE, DERBYSHIRECROMFORD MILLBELPERprinciplesn Coordinated management via a Management Plan signed up to bythe 30 plus members of the World Heritage Site Partnershipn Adoption of management principles established by UNESCO andICOMOS, its advisory body on cultural world heritage matters.These include:Protection of the Site’s ‘outstanding universal value’Sustainability, particularly with regard to transportationAuthenticityBenefits to local communitiesINTRODUCTIONThe Derwent Valley Mills World Heritage Site was inscribed on theUNESCO World Heritage List in 2001 in recognition of the role itplayed in the Industrial Revolution. As signatory to the 1972 WorldHeritage Convention, HM Government is obliged to ensure the WorldHeritage Site is managed in accordance with UNESCO requirements.n The Derwent Valley Mills World Heritage Site is a ‘relict culturallandscape’, where water powered 18th century cotton mill industrialdevelopment was largely ‘arrested’ in the first half of the 19thcentury as a result of cotton spinning going over to steam powerfuelled by coal fuelled boilers and the industry moving to thecoalfields of Lancashiren The protection of the Site’s ‘Outstanding Universal Value’ requiresthe protection of this ‘relict landscape’, as it has survived into the21st century, i.e. without significant post 1850 development. TheWorld Heritage Site includes the whole of the River Derwent floodplain between Matlock Bath and Derby. The setting of the WorldHeritage Site is protected by the designation of a ‘buffer zone’ which,in the north of the Site, stretches from sky line to sky line.KEY FACTORSCore funding for management of the World Heritage Site is providedby the local authorities; County, City, Borough, District, Town andParish Councils. Project funding is achieved on a project by projectbasis, from a variety of sources.n Creation of a long distance footpath along the valley; The DerwentValley Heritage Wayn Publication of a guide promoting access to the Valley betweenAmbergate and Cromford, using the Cromford Canal towpath, theDerwent Valley Railway Line, and/or busesObjectives still to be achieved include:Up grading of the Cromford Canal and its towpath and thepromotion of circular walks from key points along itAcquisition of Belper river meadows to become publicrecreational landImprovements to the quality of and access arrangements tokey areas of open land e.g. the former deer parks at Belper andCrich ChaseImprovement of pedestrian connectivity by reinstatement of afootbridge river crossing at MilfordImprovement to pedestrian connectivity by enhancement of theriverside footpath between Derby city centre and Darley AbbeyThe management of the World Heritage Site is ongoing. TheManagement Plan is revised every five years.FURTHER RESOURCESManagement Plan 2007 Revisionwww.derwentvalleymills.orgWorld Heritage Site Coordinator: Adrian FarmerAdrian.farmer@derbyshire.gov.uk© Crown copyright. All rights reserved. Northamptonshire County Council: Licence No. 100019331. Published 2008.LANDSCAPE CHARACTER / HISTORIC ENVIRONMENT |

CASE STUDY 2PLEASLEY PIT COUNTRY PARK, DERBYSHIREprinciplesn Provision of outdoor amenity/recreationn Provision of nature conservationn Provision of environmental educationn Restoration of post industrial environmentn Community involvementINTRODUCTIONPleasley Pit Country Park was restored in the late 1990s. BolsoverCountryside Partnership (BCP), Derbyshire County Council andPleasley Pit Nature Study Group manage the post reclamation greeninfrastructure resource, for the benefit of nature conservation and thelocal community.KEY FACTORSn Key hub for the radiating network of greenways and trailsn Extensive biodiversity records and species diversityn Mosaic of habitats including magnesian limestone grasslandn Adjacent industrial archaeologyFUNDING AND DELIVERYn The BCP has been able to attract considerable external funding todevelop the sites infrastructure and have undertaken habitat andaccess improvementsn The Pleasley Pit Nature Study Group provide volunteer time to helpmanage the site and have also secured external fundingn Improvements have been funded through the capital receipts fromthe reclamation of the siteBENEFITS AND SUCCESSESn Community Involvementn Extension of the Registered Wildlife Site to cover the whole siten Many national and county rarities recordedOUTCOMES (CONCLUSION)The site provides an amenity resource for the local community andacts as a hub for green infrastructural development of the postindustrial landscape within the district.Further Resourceswww.derbyshire.gov.uk/leisure/countryside/countryside_sites/country_parks/pleasley_pitwww.ppnsg.com/© Crown copyright. All rights reserved. Northamptonshire County Council: Licence No. 100019331. Published 2008.10 | LANDSCAPE CHARACTER / HISTORIC ENVIRONMENT

CASE STUDY 3RESTORING THE LANDSCAPE OF KINDER PLATEAU,PEAK DISTRICT, DERBYSHIRESTONE DAMS AND COTTON GRASS PLANTING COTTON GRASS PLANTING IN 2007PRINCIPLESn Restoration of historic landscape for people, wildlife and theenvironmentn Conserving peat as a carbon storen Engaging with our supportersINTRODUCTIONKinder Scout, part of the National Trust’s High Peak & LongshawEstate is iconic being the venue of the 1932 “mass trespass” eventorchestrated by people demanding the right of access to green, openspaces. Unfortunately, a combination of historic atmospheric pollutionfrom the industrial revolution, wild fires, over grazing by sheep andironically, damage from so many walkers has resulted in extensiveerosion of the vegetation and peat of Kinder plateau producing a lunarlandscape of more than 1000 ha of bare peat. In places, the peat haseroded away to the bare rock. If allowed to continue this preciouslandscape will be lost for ever along with the wildlife it supports andthe carbon it stores. Its function as intact, green infrastructure closeto urbanisation will be lost. Restoring Kinder to conserve thesevalues and functions is essential and has provided an opportunity forthe Trust to engage directly and indirectly with its supporters andraise awareness of the issues and the value of green infrastructureto society.KEY FACTORSn Gradual deterioration of this iconic landscape reduces it value asgreen space that also happens to be internationally important forwildlife and in an Environmentally Sensitive Area (ESA)n Kinder Scout plateau is close to centres of urban population,especially Manchester. It receives an estimated 40,000 walkerseach yearn The peat soil of Kinder is rich in carbon. Its erosion results in therelease of CO2 to the atmosphere contributing to climate change.In addition, it discolours drinking water suppliesn Stabilising the peat by re-vegetating it will restore the landscape andhabitats, provide resilience to predicted climate change, enablecontinued public access to green space for ever, improve drinkingwater quality, conserve the carbon in the peatn Restoration methods include re-seeding the bare peat with grassesand heather, blocking eroding gullies to make the peat wetter andplanting wet peat with cotton grassn Involving people in the restoration work through regular volunteeringor planting events improves awareness of supporters of the issuesinvolved and understanding that green infrastructure requiresmanagement in order to maintain itFUNDING AND DELIVERYThe National Trust’s moorland restoration work entered anaccelerated phase in 2004 since then more than £1 million has beenspent on it including on Kinder. The majority has been funded byDEFRA ESA capital projects grant with contributory funding from theTrust. An important source of the latter has been the Trust’s PeakDistrict Appeal. The Trust is a member of the Moor for the FuturePartnership (MFF) which has received grant aid from a number ofsources but primarily the Heritage Lottery Fund. The work has beendelivered through the MFF partnership, directly by the Trust’s EstateTeam and by volunteers.BENEFITS AND SUCCESSESn 220 ha of heather re-seeding undertakenn 350,000 cotton grass plugs planted on re-wetted peatn Many stone, plastic and wooden dams installed to hold back waterand re-wet peatn A celebration of the 75th anniversary of the mass trespass eventtook place on Kinder in 2007 and attracted hundreds of visitorsn Three cotton grass planting events attracted more than 100volunteersOUTCOMESHas the iconic green infrastructure that is Kinder Scout plateau beensaved? Have we succeeded in preventing it from washing down thehillside or being blown away? No, not yet but significant progress hasbeen made and it is moving in the right direction. There is much moreof the same to do. The hope is that its reputation will be its ultimatesaviour since the greater understanding of the issues and awarenessof the value of places like Kinder to society that people have thegreater the desire to protect it and to become involved will be. Thatstabilising peat by re-wetting it and re-vegetating it can bring somany environmental benefits is one thing, that it conserves a slice ofgreen space enjoyed by tens of thousands of people each year isentirely another.Further Resourceswww.nationaltrust.org.ukwww.moorsforthefuture.org.ukPrincipal contacts: Matt Doran, External Affairs Manager, NationalTrust, Clumber Park Stableyard, Worksop S80 3BE Tel: 01909 511004LANDSCAPE CHARACTER / HISTORIC ENVIRONMENT | 11

BIODIVERSITY© NATHATIE HUEBER – BUMBLE BEE ON MEADOW VETCHLINGPRINCIPLESn Planning Policy Statement 9 (PPS9): Biodiversity and GeologicalConservationn Ensure that all new development avoids damage to existingdesignated sites and enhances them where possiblen Ensure that development and implementation results in a net gainof Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP) habitats to maintain and enhancethe biodiversity of the Regionn Seek to halt and reverse habitat fragmentation and species isolationof existing biodiversity assets by buffering existing sites and creatingnew wildlife corridors between themn Identify areas for habitat restoration and re-establish them at alandscape scale (also see ‘Historic Environment’)n Integrate existing habitats into new development, ensuringdevelopment provides a green transition between existing and newhabitats and landscapen Consider the appropriate management of wildlife corridors that areimportant for the migration and dispersal of wildlife and for thelinking of habitatsBiodiversity should also be an integral part of good urban design,construction and development. It should be incorporated at all levelsinto plans, from individual buildings and streets to master plans. Itcan be delivered as an integral part of delivering construction projectsand greenspace provision.Ecological surveys should be carried out to set an ecological baselineas part of the preparation for the new development where suchinformation does not exist. This will ensure that developmentpromotes the restoration and reestablishment of habitats andspecies in accordance with Local Biodiversity Action Plan targetsand Biodiversity Conservation and Enhancement zone maps forthe Region.12 | BIODIVERSITY

CASE STUDY 4STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIPS ALONG RIVERCORRIDORS (SPARC), EAST MIDLANDSSPARC PARTNERS© MIKE FINN KELCEY - SUMMER LEYS LNR, NORTHAMPTONSHIREPRINCIPLESSPARC is about sustaining and improving the river environment, usingan approach built on three fundamental principles:n The need to be strategic, in order to link to other plans and strategiesn The need to work in partnership with others to achieve wideranging resultsn The need to demonstrate all that through practical applicationThe project embraced the principles of Green Infrastructure throughencouraging the connectivity of communities thus providing social andecological corridors, with positive impacts on the local economies intheir particular catchment areas.It was based on partnership working with the goal of the integrated,sustainable management of river corridors through a strategicapproach; linking this with other plans and strategies that affect theriver corridor.IntroductionA series of eight demonstration projects throughout northern Europe,with three in the East Midlands. Each project looked at the integratedmanagement of River Corridors from different geographical andcultural perspectives. Some of the projects were catchment scale forexample the OnTrent initiative in the East Midlands, or the RundeRestoration in Drenthe, Netherlands. Some were geographicallyspecific to a particular location for example Beckingham Marsheswetland creation near Gainsborough or the Wietze habitat creationnear Langenhagen, Germany.Key factorsn Multiple use of landn Integration of river corridors in landscape designn Integration of catchment / site policy with other policies / strategiesn River corridor management and EU directivese.g. Water Framework Directiven River catchment planning and economic benefitsn Involving local communitiesn Education and learningn Cross sector partnershipsn Creating and managing new habitatsn Integrating and protecting cultural heritagen Monitoring environmental impactsn Long term maintenance and sustainabilityFunding and DeliveryPartners in the project raised 50% match funding fromnon-government organisations and Government departments; withthe rest co-funded by the European Regional Development Fundthrough the Interreg IIIB North Sea Region programme.Benefits and successesThe SPARC project was successful in promoting the integratedmanagement of river corridors in Northern Europe, providing adviceand understanding on regeneration and enhancing their natural,cultural and historic environments; essentially being underpinned bythe ethos of Green Infrastructure. The highlights of SPARC’sachievements were:n Guidance on integrated management of River Corridorsn Spotlight placed on importance of archaeology and cultural heritageand guidancen 10k river restoredn 340 ha of land have undergone beneficial change in usen 2764 visitor trips to regenerated sitesn 15 further phases of work initiatedn Trans-national learning exercise developedn Trans-national network developed which has been ongoing beyondSPARC, initiating further projectsOutcomesEight demonstration projects. Tools used by each and thetrans-national sharing of knowledge and understanding lead to thedevelopment of topic guidance notes on the various aspects ofintegrated river corridor management and a toolkit on archaeologicaland cultural heritage management within river restoration schemes.SPARC was able to part fund a Green Infrastructure programme toassist in the upkeep of Summer Leys LNR, Northamptonshire whichforms part of a SSSI.Further Resourceswww.sparc-project.orgtim.pickering@environment-agency.gov.ukBIODIVERSITY | 13

CASE STUDY 5MERCASTON & MARKEATONBROOKS PROJECT, DERBY6M BUFFER STRIP AT MARKEATON BROOKCUTLER BROOKPRINCIPLESn Utilise existing green infrastructure to provide multipleenvironmental benefitsn Reduce the adverse impacts of various land use activities within ariver sub-catchmentn Increase awareness and understanding of urban and ruralcommunities of the issues and role that green infrastructure canplay in addressing themIntroductionDiffuse water pollution from agriculture (dwpa), essentially silt fromsoil erosion, pesticide and fertiliser run-off, can have a number ofadverse impacts on landscape, wildlife and flooding. The Mercaston &Markeaton Brooks (MMB) catchment north of Derby supports botharable and livestock farming that have been shown to contribute tothe silting up of lakes, ponds and stream, algal blooms, sub-optimalhabitats for key species like white-clawed crayfish. The reduction inflood storage capacity of the water bodies exacerbates flooding inDerby where the brooks are confluent with the River Derwent. Aninitiative commence in 2004 that brought together a number ofinterested parties including local farmers and community membersto bring about changes that effectively utilise existing greeninfrastructure to reduce the impacts of the various factors described.The main approach was to provide farmers in the catchment with freeadvice and training, to facilitate environmental stewardshipagreements for them that included measures to reduce dwpa, restorehabitats, create new ones, increase awareness and understanding.Key factorsn A soils vulnerability and risk mapping model was developed thatenabled areas of land to be identified within the catchment that weremost vulnerable to erosion and run-offn Farm visits were undertaken to provide advice to farmers andfacilitate their entry into environmental stewardship agreementsn Training and demonstration events were heldn A river corridor survey was undertaken that mapped key habitatsn A white-clawed crayfish and fish survey was undertakenn The stilling ponds at Markeaton were dredged as part of Derby City’sflood defence management programmen Sites were identified for the creation of buffer wetlandsFunding and DeliveryFunding was provided by the project partners; Derby City Council,National Trust, Environment Agency and Natural England (latterlythrough the England Catchment Sensitive Farming Deliver Initiative).Delivery was primarily through contracting the Farming & WildlifeAdvisory Group to undertake farm visits and run events. Specialistadvice was contracted in. The project has a Steering Group thatincludes a farmer representative and Friends of Markeaton Brook thatrepresents farmers and local community interests.Benefits and successesn 24 farms have received free advice and/or trainingn 80% of the catchment has been facilitated into Entry Level Schemewith measures that reduce dwpan Four events have taken placen 10 sites were identified as having potential for creating bufferwetlandsn The project and its aims have become established and are wellknown locallyn High level of engagement in the project by farmersOutcomesThe project has delivered much in terms of utilising GI (water courses,soil conservation, wetlands and wildlife) to deliver public benefits butthere have been limitations. Farmers responded well to the projectand many measures are in place to reduce dwpa. However on its ownthis will not fully resolve the issues. A more comprehensiveprogramme of support measures including the provision of capital toinvest in farm infrastructure and more adequate compensation forreduced value of assets is required to reduce dwpa to what couldrealistically be described as back ground levels. Nevertheless, theproject continues with a renewed focus on biodiversity.Further ResourcesPrincipal contacts. Carl Hawke, National Trust, Clumber ParkStableyard, Worksop, S80 3BE. Tel. 01909 51105014 | BIODIVERSITY

CASE STUDY 6Delivering Green Infrastructure inthe Farmed Landscape, The Grange,Cotham, NOTTINGHAMSHIREPRINCIPLESSituated within 1km of the southern fringes of Newark,Nottinghamshire, The Grange is a 271ha working farm with land eitherside of the River Devon. Much of the farm has been subject toprogressive surface mineral workings (gypsum and clays) leading torestoration to a mix of land uses:n Sustainable: effectively combining the need for economic andenvironmental sustainability in a commercial farming environmentn Multi-functional: Delivering a range of public benefits - food andenergy production, biodiversity and landscape enhancement, floodprotection, multi user accessible green space, education andinterpretation in a post industrial landscapen Linking town and country: Enhancing network connectivity andproviding easy access options for local communities, close to wherethey liveIntroductionThe Grange, which has been farmed by 4 generations of the Pykettfamily, is less a project or initiative than a way of life. It provides anexcellent demonstration of commercial agriculture and environmentalmanagement schemes working hand-in-hand.With support primarily from Natural England and the ForestryCommission, a combination of public funding streams and advisoryservices have been used to deliver a fully integrated, whole farmapproach to environmental management.The benefits are not only apparent on the farm, with increasingbiodiversity and excellent access infrastructure, but are being feltdownstream on the River Devon where flood risk has been reducedfor neighbouring settlements.Key factorsKey factors in the development of the farm have been:n The changing nature of agriculturen The physical impact of large scale mineral extractionn The effective use of agri-environment schemesn Climate change and increased incidence of local floodingn The land owners commitment to sustainable agriculturen A willingness to diversify the business and to make full use of theincentives and advice availableFunding and DeliveryThe Grange is an excellent example of the use of agri-environmentfunding and support services to deliver Green Infrastructure onprivate land.Mr Pykett has agreements under both the Countryside StewardshipScheme and the Environmental Stewardship Entry Level Scheme,both of which are managed and administered by Natural England. 2and 6-metre field margins have been introduced, hedges are now cuton a rotational basis and land is left with over wintered stubbles sothat there is always winter food and cover available for the birds.Some 64 hectares of low lying land adjacent to the river has beentaken out of arable production and planted with poplar trees under theFarm Woodland Premium Scheme (now Woodland grant scheme).Using a combination of Stewardship and Woodland Grants, permissivebridle paths, a small car park, way marking and wayside furniturehave made the site accessible to the public and have helped toaddress network deficiencies, as described in the NottinghamshireRights of Way Improvement Plan.Educational access is supported under the Countryside StewardshipScheme and visitors from a wide range of interest groups can see forthemselves the landscape and wildlife benefits which the farm hasto offer.Benefits and successesn The introduction of wider field margins and a rotationalhedge-cutting regime have not only enhanced the landscape butcreated an assortment of wildlife habitats and food sourcesn There is a now an abundance of wildlife biodiversity – a recent birdcount identified over 130 types of bird, helped by the planting of wildbird seed mixesn The poplars, which have been planted to allow the unimpededmovement surface water, can withstand inundation so that the landremains productive whilst providing flood storage capacityn The lake, which has been created from a hole left by 25 years ofquarrying, provides an attractive multifunctional landscape, a valuablewildlife habitat and a source of income in the shape of a coarse fisheryn The farm received the English Nature Farming for Wildlife Award in2003 and in the same year was awarded the Wilkinson EnvironmentAward for its contribution to the natural environmentn Access provision has created new circular routes and has restoredmissing links in the wider bridleway network in the area which hadbeen truncated when gypsum extraction was taking placen The Grange is now an Environmental Stewardship DemonstrationFarm which over time has been visited by a large number of landmanagers to see good practice at first handOutcomesThe Grange is an excellent example of commercial farming workinghand-in-hand with environmental conservation to delivermulti-functional green infrastructure in an urban fringe setting.Further Resourceswww.naturalengland.org.uk/planning/grants-funding/es/default.htmwww.forestry.gov.uk/ewgsPrincipal contacts. Ian Paterson, Natural England, The Maltings,Wharf Road, Grantham NG31 6BH Tel 01467 584800BIODIVERSITY | 15

WOODLANDPRINCIPLESn Woodlands should form a core component of Green Infrastructure(GI) frameworksn GI benefits should be delivered through the enhancement of existingwoodlands and also by the creation of new woodlands and forestareasn New woodland areas should be planned and created in line withRegional Forestry Frameworksn When creating new woodlands, preference should be given to nativespecies and the use of planting stock of local originn Woodland management and creation should encompassopportunities to produce sustainable wood supplies for localrenewable energy programmesn New woodland needs time to mature, so planting should beprogrammed well ahead of development to allow the GI frameworkto better meet the needs of new residents and complement the builtenvironmentn The GI framework should capitalise on the ability of woodland tocontribute to sense of place, its popularity with the public forrecreation, and its unique capacity to absorb recreational users andreduce the visual impact of developmentn Recreational access to woodland should be recognised and activelyused as a way of promoting physical activity, encouraging socialcohesion and maintaining a sense of well-being that contributes tobetter mental health16 | WOODLAND

CASE STUDY 7Top Lodge Fineshade WoodVISITOR CENTRE, NORTHAMPTONSHIREPRINCIPLESTop Lodge Fineshade Wood is situated on the A43 near the village ofDuddington (NN17 3BB). It is a green infrastructure project that provides aquality recreational facility for both existing and future populations of thegrowth towns of Kettering and Corby.n Supporting Sustainable Communities and Sustainable developmentn Sustainable Forest Management – The Ancient Woodland Projectn Supporting regional tourism strategies (“Days into stays”)n Green ethos – “Reduce Reuse Recycle” approachn Inspired Space – Sustainable Living Places – “Cleaner safer greener”n An attraction that both accommodates increased visitor numbers anddemonstrates best environmental practiceINTRODUCTIONThe Top lodge Fineshade Wood project builds on the highly successful reintroductionof the Red Kite with partners Natural England and the RSPB(Royal Society for the Protection of Birds). This was developed to increasepublic awareness and participation in their local woods, and involved therelocation of the Forestry Commission offices as part of the refurbishmentand re-use of derelict listed farm buildings.Top Lodge Fineshade Woods has been developed to include a rural craftoutlet, a café using local produce and fair-trade products, a communityspace/business conferencing area for local small businesses, a children’splay area, sensory garden, toilets, car and coach parking, improved accessand interpretative walks, horse and cycle routes through the wood. Thereare now partnership led organised events and guided woodland walks forfamilies and school groups that run alongside the successful ForestSchools’ initiative and Active Woods initiative.KEY FACTORSn Consultation and involvement of local residents and caravan park usersn Environmental assessment of the proposed development,accommodating batsn Planning the development in character with the existing infrastructuren Sustainable features “built in” to the plans – Local FC and FSC certifiedtimber, Wood Chip Heating, Reed bed sewage treatment, Sheep’s woolinsulation, Rainwater harvesting and Low energy lighting, waste recyclingn All-ability accessn Value for moneyn Sustainable quality and public benefitn Professional approach & communication with stakeholders throughoutthe projectn Links to, and synergy with, other key Green Infrastructure projects in theRegionFUNDING AND DELIVERYThe Project was funded through the RNRP (River Nene Regional Park)with £950,000 of the growth area fund provided by DCLG (Department forCommunities and Local Government). The Project was delivered by theForestry Commission at Northants Forest District in-house project teamusing PRINCE2©BENEFITS AND SUCCESSESn Local residents participation through business activity (Selling Products)contract work and running a community orchard through a new socialenterprise companyn Over 68,000 visitors of all-abilities and backgrounds using the space andenjoying healthy out-door family activitiesn New Rural business interest in joining in with the Top Lodge Success –Eco Retreat within the woodlandn Signature Green Infrastructure project supporting sustainabledevelopment in the 2 towns and 68 villages within the bounds of theAncient Rockingham Forestn Increased awareness of ‘Sustainable Green Technology’ throughinterpretationn Recognition of the historical and cultural heritage for the people in theexpanding towns, to enjoy for generations to comen Inward investment of existing businesses (caravan site) and new startups (café), support for embryonic wood fuel industry, new Visitor Centreand a Community Services Managern Strong local partnership committed to future sustainable developmentand exemplar ancient woodland managementn Vital experience gained by dedicated project management team ofproject management and delivery of social benefit projects usingPRINCE2© methodology, with increased skills and knowledge for futureinitiativesn Secured public support for the ongoing professional management of theforest for the widest environmental and public benefit – The AncientWoodland ProjectOutcomesWith a catchment of 1.3m people, which will increase by 33% over the next20-30 years, the investment in Top Lodge Fineshade Wood GreenInfrastructure project has delivered a key visitor attraction that can servefamily recreational and healthy outdoor pursuit needs for many years tocome. As sustainable thinking hits home, the project will serve as awindow into green technologies and a reminder of the need to protect andmanage our forest heritage for people and wildlife now and in the future. Itoffers a breathing space on peoples doorsteps which can help improvetheir health and well being, a spiritual and natural place where relaxationand enjoyment are easy to find. It is simply a good place for everyone.Further ResourcesPRINCE2© Project Plan and associated documents (2005-2008)Risk Log, Issue Log, Change Control Log etc.http:/www.forestry.gov.uk/toplodgePrincipal contacts: Northants Forest District, Top Lodge Fineshade, NearCORBY, NN17 3BB Tel: 01780 444920Project Management Team:Kevin Stannard kevin.stannard@forestry.gsi.gov.ukFrank Inglis Frank.inglis@forestry.gsi.gov.ukDavid Chalmers David.chambers@forestry.gsi.gov.ukWOODLAND | 17

CASE STUDY 8SALCEY FOREST PHASE TWOCANOPY WALK, NORTHAMPTONSHIREPRINCIPLESn Innovative, challenging and exciting walkway taking visitors of allages and abilities from the forest floor to the upper canopy of themajestic oaksn Suitable for all abilities, with no unnecessary barriers to usen Walkway must have plenty of opportunities for people to stop, restand ‘engage with nature’n Structure to will take due account of any buried archaeology andavoid damage to known featuresn The walkway should be, or appear to be a predominantly woodentimber structuren Low cost long-term maintenance to be designed inIntroductionIn 2004 ‘Phase One’ of the improvements to the facilities in SalceyForest, which had last been updated in the early 1990’s, saw theimprovement and implementation of numerous cycle, walking,horse-riding trails, and car- parking, a new woodland café, replacementof the old play area and signage, and a new map leaflet. ‘Phase Two’was to halt and reverse the further aid falling visitor numbers to thisundervalued natural and historic asset and increase the experience ofthe site with a ground-breaking, cutting-edge visitor attraction.Key factorsn 300m walkway ascending 15m into the tree canopy via a number ofspan bridgesn A further climb to the Crows Nest at the end to takes visitors abovethe treetops to 20mn Designed - in ‘wobble’ adds to the experiencen Structure links to existing all ability route providing level access tothe launch pointn 1 in 12 slope means it is accessible by wheelchairs, pushchairs etc.n 1.5 m wide allows for two- way trafficn Regular stopping platforms provide further places to rest andcontemplaten All construction was carried out within the footprint of the structureitself, reducing impact on the forest floorn Timber structure using green oak from the nearby RockinghamForestn Innovative Mechanical Stress Lamination used to build a timber archbridge and the first Stress Laminated Timber (SLT) roof in the UK.Funding and DeliveryThe 300m walkway was funded through a £700,000 grant from theformer Department for Communities and Local Government (DCLG),as part of the Sustainable Communities fund.Its delivery is the result of successful collaboration between theForestry Commission and the River Nene Regional Park. Other projectpartners include South Northamptonshire Council and WestNorthamptonshire Development Corporation.Planning and construction were carried out between March andNovember 2005.Benefits and successesn Annual visits to the site show having gone from 60,000 and declining,to around 400,000, with visitors coming from further afield includingLondon and Leicestern Schools regularly visit the walkway and have been partaking ineducational activities led by the Forest Rangern It supports the local economy and the on-site cafen The structure has received numerous awards including:2005 - East Midland Regional Assembly (EMRA)Environmental Award2006 - British Construction Industry Environment Award andPrime Minister’s Better Public Building Award2008 - Landscape Institute Design 1-5ha AwardOutcomesSince its opening the Treetop Walkway has attracted thousands ofvisitors of all ages, abilities and backgrounds and from a wide variety oflocations to the Forest and the area. Judges of the Prime Minister’sAward described it as, “delightful and useable” and “a great ecoproject,which has drawn crowds of enthusiastic visitors”. They praisedthe fact that the project uses “locally sourced timber, and gives childrenand adults alike a completely new experience of trees and forest”This ‘Signature Project’ has provided an important, high profile link inthe network of tangible projects that are implementing thegroundbreaking Northamptonshire Environmental Character andGreen Infrastructure Studies on the ground.Further ResourcesMore information on the project can be found at www.rnrp.orgContact the RNRP Executive Team onT: (01604) 237648 E: rnrp@northamptonshire.gov.ukForestry Commission website at: www.forestry.gov.uk/salceyforest18 | WOODLAND

CASE STUDY 9Creating the heart of The NationalForest in the Ashby Woulds, DERBYSHIREBEFOREAFTERPRINCIPLESn Environmental, social and economic regeneration across 650ha ofland, including extensive derelict land restorationn Woodland-related landscape change within the context of TheNational Forestn Transforming a derelict landscape in decline into a new forestedlandscape that forms the heart of The National Forest as a majornew tourism destinationn Reversing environmental, economic and population decline to builda sustainable future for the areaIntroductionThe Ashby Woulds lies at the heart of the former Leicestershire andSouth Derbyshire coalfield. It covers an area of 16 square kilometresin the centre of The National Forest.By the late 1980, deep mining in the area had collapsed, leaving alegacy of a degraded environment, extensive derelict land (200ha),unemployment and declining social facilities. This was made worse byuncertainty surrounding the area’s future. It was difficult to attractinward investment and with little prospect of landscape improvementthere was a spiral of economic, environmental and population decline.In 1991 North West Leicestershire District Council commissioned astudy into opportunities to regenerate the area. This set out proposalsto radically improve the area’s image within the context of The NationalForest. In 1992 this spurred the creation of the Ashby Woulds Forum.Led by Leicestershire County Council, this brought together mineralcompanies, local authorities, the National Forest Company and localcommunity groups. The Forum set out a shared future vision for thearea in the Ashby Woulds Strategy in 1995. Based upon The NationalForest principles, this set out proposals for the regeneration of 650haof land with tourism, forestry and leisure uses as the focus.In a little over 15 years, the Ashby Woulds has been transformed from aderelict landscape in decline into a new forested landscape that formsthe heart of The National Forest as a major new tourism destination.The benefits have been dramatic and wide-ranging includingdevelopment of the £18.6m Conkers Discovery Centre, set in 60ha oflandscaping, together with landscape improvements to 22 sites.Funding and deliveryFunding has come from a variety of sources – European Union,Lottery, emda, English Partnerships, local authorities, the NationalForest Company, Landfill Tax Credits, private sponsors, plus otherpublic and voluntary sources. Multi-agency partnership working wasinvolved in implementing site development across the area.Environmental benefitsn 380 of derelict, mineral worked and other land developed forForest usesn 500,000 trees plantedn 2.5km of the derelict Ashby Canal re-wateredn Moira Furnace restoredn 300ha of recreational access createdn 10kms of new trails – including the Ashby Woulds Heritage Trailn 2 new nature reserves createdEconomic benefitsn £40m invested in new tourism, recreation and forestry infrastructuren Conkers Discovery Centre developed as the Forest’s main visitorcentre – 200,000 visitors a yearn £2.3m invested in a new Youth Hostel and Camping and CaravanClub siten Around 100 new jobs created in the arean 10ha of employment units and 572 new houses builtSocial benefitsn Ashby Woulds Forum, a focus for community engagementn 15 tree planting events held involving over 50 peoplen Conkers developed as a new visitor attraction and educationresource (over 34,000 school visits annually)n Extensive local greenspace created – woodlands, trails, naturereserves and play areasIn 2001 the Ashby Woulds won the Royal Town Planning Institute SilverJubilee Cup for Planning Achievement. In 2008 it also won thenational Sustainable Development UK award.OutcomesThe Ashby Woulds is an excellent example of how environment-ledregeneration of a declining industrial area can be achieved basedupon sustainable development principles. An improved woodlandenvironment has transformed the landscape, helped attract newinward investment, created the setting for major tourism andrecreation development and become the sorurce of renewedcommunity spirit and pride in the area.Further resources“The National Forest : an exemplar of Sustainable Development” –National Forest Company 2007. See www.nationalforest.org.Contact: Simon Evans, Chief Land Use Officer, National ForestCompany. Email: sevans@nationalforest.org Tel: 01283 551211WOODLAND | 19

SPORT & RECREATIONPRINCIPLESn Local authorities should develop open space strategy compliant withPPG17n Opportunities should be taken to create new recreational facilities,particularly those that will link urban and countryside areasn The importance of linked space and green routes for providingeducational and recreational opportunities, that can enhance healthand well-being, should be recognisedn Existing formal and informal sport and recreation facilities, unlessfound surplus to requirement through the PPG17 audit and needsassessment and planning policy, should be safeguarded fromdevelopmentn Rights of Ways Improvement Plans in individual growth areas musttake account of new development and opportunities for GreenInfrastructuren Contributions should be sought through planning obligationstowards new provision, and improvements to existing assets, and themaintenance and management of such facilities over a 30 yearperiodn Consideration should be given to sustainable travel where optionsfor new facilities are being developed20 | SPORT & RECREATION

CASE STUDY 10Stanwick Lakes Countryside Attractionand Nature Reserve, NORTHAMPTONSHIREPRINCIPLESSituated at the centre of River Nene Regional Park (RNRP) in the mid-NeneValley in Northamptonshire, Stanwick Lakes covers 650 acres of formergravel pits. Previously owned by Hanson’s Aggregates, the site waspurchased by East Northamptonshire District Council, who had the vision topromote a visitor attraction that would be of local and regional significance.Despite its rural location, the site has a number of urban populations righton its doorstep including; Irthlingborough, Raunds, Rushden andWellingborough. Northampton and Kettering are also within easy travellingdistance of the site.The site links to surrounding local communities and, strategically, throughthe development of a green route based on the countywide GreenInfrastructure framework, developed by the River Nene Regional Park.n To balance the need for the protection of the potential Special ProtectionArea, designated for its over -wintering and breeding birds, with theprovision of a locally based leisure and recreational facility for new andexisting communitiesn To provide a broad mix of activities offering year round appeal to a widerange of age and interest groupsn To create a facility with long term sustainability, which supports itselfthrough income generationn To provide a facility which utilises the rich history of the site and usesengaging and innovative techniques to interpret the heritage of the local arean To increase accessibility by creating a green corridor along the oldrailway line between Thrapston and Irthlingborough, linked to existingbridleways and footpathsn To provide an alternative ‘green transport’ approach to the site other thanby carIntroductionStanwick Lakes provides enhanced recreational and leisure opportunitiesto both local residents and visitors, whilst protecting one of the key wildlifehabitats within the Nene Valley. The site is central to the proposed NeneValley Special Protection Area (pSPA) and has recently been designated asa SSSI. It has an enviable heritage as the site of both medieval and Romansettlements that includes two scheduled ancient monuments.It is in a strategic position to act as a gateway to visitors to the River NeneRegional Park. It has wide community appeal and has a “commercialedge” to its operation. These two factors have had a significant influence indetermining the vision for the site.Key factorsn The project contributes to the Green Infrastructure network ofNorthamptonshire, the East Midlands and Milton Keynes South Midlands(MKSM) Growth Area within the River Nene Regional Parkn It is an exemplar project which demonstrates successful land reclamation,enhancement and conservation by reuse of a former gravel pitn It provides 650 acres of accessible countrysiden It contributes to the economyn It contributes to an increase in healthy living as the site offers a variety ofoutdoor facilities and activitiesn It encourages community ownership and connects People to Placen It has contributed to an increase in visitors to the areaFunding and DeliveryOverall Project Direction and VisionRiver Nene Regional Park: “to support greater innovation in green spaceprovision for sites such as Stanwick Lakes”Overall Project Management and VisionRockingham Forest Trust: “to develop a site which will provide enhancedrecreational and leisure opportunities, increasing the opportunities foraccess into the countryside and bringing people closer to the countryside,whilst also encouraging conservation by protecting and improving existinghabitats and the creation of new habitats”Benefits and successesn Annual visitor numbers are now over 185,000 per yearn Fundraising events have ensured that the new visitor building (planned tobe carbon neutral) will be open in 2009n Visitor numbers are expected to exceed 220,000 per year once thebuilding has openedn The site is a unique green space in this region providing a very specialsense of place.n Combines varied and highly accessible outdoor pursuits with protectionof the biodiversity of this internationally important habitat for water birds.n The site includes performance areas for outdoor plays and musicalevents as well as community based arts initiativesn Two local businesses have invested in the site to provide an on site caféand a cycle hire shop that allows visitors to extend their visits within andbeyond the confines of the siteOutcomesn Coordinated funding, design and implementation of each phasen Ensured smooth running of the entire project processn Supported, engage and secure multi-sector fundingn Set the site within the wider context of the Green Infrastructure Networkand multi functional green spacesn Supported many of the Community Strategy priorities forNorthamptonshire and health and sports strategies for the region.Issues identified, such as the lack of affordable, accessible physicalactivity facilities, the need for safe walking, cycling routes and the need toprotect the valley’s key wildlife sites, are likely to be exacerbated by theincrease in development within the region. It is therefore critical toprovide a network of green infrastructure sites such as Stanwick Lakesthat assist in addressing these needs.n The draft business plan for the Local Delivery Vehicle, North NorthantsTogether, lists “a safe and healthy environment with well designed publicand green space” as one of key ingredients for sustainable communities.Stanwick Lakes provides a large area of accessible green space, at thehub of many of the proposed growth towns within Northamptonshire.n Combined active outdoor pursuits such as walking, cycling and watersports and the internationally significant wildlife, with, in the future,interpretations of the rich archaeological heritage.n Showcased good environmental practice in the construction,development and maintenance of the site and its facilities.Further Resourceswww.rockingham-forest-trust.org.uk | www.stanwicklakes.org.ukPrincipal contacts:Attraction Manager Stanwick Lakes:info@rftrust.org.ukStanwick Lake Rangers Tel: 01933 625522River Nene Regional Parkwww.riverneneregionalpark.orgEast Northamptonshire Councilwww.east-northamptonshire.gov.ukSPORT & RECREATION | 21

This map is reproduced from Ordnance Surveymaterial with the permission of Ordnance Surveyon behalf of the Controller of Her Majesty'sStationary Office (c) Crown copyright.Unauthorised reproduction infringes Crowncopyright and may lead to prosecution orcivil proceedings. Leicestershire CountyCouncil 100019271. Published 3 June 2008CASE STUDY 11Watermead Country Park, LEICESTERSHIREPRINCIPLESRecent developments in the Country Park have focused on improvingaccessibility through:n Improving paths and trails to a tarmac surface. In this area offloodplain such routes are usable straight after rain, are resistant toflood scour, are more accessible (for example for wheelchair users,parents with children in buggies, cyclists, skaters, etc) and havemuch lower maintenance costs than unbound surfacesn Watermead Country Park is a core Green Infrastructure assetleading local residents and visitors into the river corridor and GreenWedge. This scheme seeks to make the most of this location andencourage visitors using sustainable transport (Walking, cycling,boating etc)n Joint working with a range of partners – an early scheme with localcharity mosaic set the standard for subsequent developments. Themost recent scheme is Connect2, the successful submission bySustrans (and 79 partners) to the Big Lottery which will see £1.4Million of improvements to routes linking communities into andacross the Park and, along the riverside, into Leicester Cityn The emphasis of the project is improving access into and out of theCountry Park where a number of key constraints exist. Theseinclude:n Canal bridges with poor gradients and narrow decksn Difficult, uncontrolled road crossingsn Lack of consistent route standards and signingn Narrow unsurfaced towing pathsn The Connect2 partnership includes the County City and CharnwoodBorough Councils, Sustrans, British Waterways, Parish Councils,User Groups. Principal funding is coming from the Big Lottery,Match funding is coming from the County Council, Local TransportPlan, Charnwood Borough Council, Sustrans and FLAG (Forwardwith Leicestershire Aggregates Grants)n The attached plan shows the network of routes covered by thescheme (and includes some aspirational routes for futuredevelopment). The photos show the Birstall Lock scheme before andwith an artist’s illustration of the site after improvement.Key documentsWatermead Country Park Management PlanSustrans submission to the Big LotteryFurther information on http://www.leics.gov.uk/index/environment/countryside_nature/countryparks/country_parks_watermead/connect2.htmPrincipal contactsBill Carter 0116 3057083 bcarter@leics.gov.ukCONNECT2 LINKS MAPDATE: 19th SEPTEMBER 2008SCALE 1:25000LoughboroughRoad Crossing3028a262021BirstallBridge(Bridge 15)192312827Syston RoadCrossing312922WintertonBridge10111213182Meadow LaneCrossingProposedVisitorCentre1724141538Wanlip RoadCrossing9ProposedRaynswayBridgeCulvertWreakeBridge(Bridge 20A)16ThurmastonLock(Lock 46)2545Connect2 RoutesFosse WayCrossing61 Syston Road to Towpath2 Towpath to Wreake Bridge3 Wreake Bridge to Meadow Lane4 Meadow Lane5 Public Bridleway I115Railway Triangle7 Syston Playing Field8 Meadow Lane to Hope and Anchor Pub9 Towpath Ramp Extension10 East of John Merricks Lake11 John Merricks Lake to King Lears Lake12 Visitor Centre Link13 West of King Lears Lake14 South and East of King Lears Lake15 Johnsons Bridge Connector16 Johnsons Bridge to Thurmaston Lock17 Thurmaston Lock Surfacing18 Causeway19 Whiles Lane, Birstall20 Birstall Lock Surfacing21 NCN6 Route to City28a Park ad Ride Scheme22 Mammoth Link (Aspirational)23 Newark Road to Birstall Lock (Aspirational)24 Thurmaston to Raynsway Marina (Aspirational)25 Thurmaston Links (Aspirational)26 Wanlip Lane, Birstall Link (Aspirational)27 Worcester Avenue, Birstall Link (Aspirational)28 Wanlip Link (Aspirational) Route Subject To Confirmation29 Melton Road Link (Aspirational)30 Proposed Diversion of NCN6 (Aspirational)31 Meadow Lane to King Lears Lake (Aspirational)7BridgesRoad Crossings© Crown copyright. All rights reserved. Northamptonshire County Council: Licence No. 100019331. Published 2008.22 | SPORT & RECREATION

CASE STUDY 12Trent Valley GreenwaY,Long Eaton, DerbyshirePRINCIPLESn To create a new multi user path for walkers, disabled people,cyclists, families with prams and horse ridersn To provide easy access around the Attenborough Nature Reserveand a commuter route between Long Eaton and Nottingham on highquality and attractive pathwaysn To develop the Strategic Cycle Network of Derbyshire andNottinghamshireIntroductionThe Trent Valley Greenway provides over 6km of new traffic freepathway, linking Cranfleet Lock in Derbyshire to Beeston inNottinghamshire along the banks of the River Trent.The project transformed a poorly managed riverside footpath toprovide a wide all weather surfaced route for all non motorisedvisitors. It also provides a recreational route around the AttenboroughNature Reserve and SSSI.Outputsn Created 6.1km of new multi user pathway for recreation and utilityjourneysn The route surfacing and sub base are made entirely from recycledproducts and built to high level specificationsn Various interpretation panels and signage have been installed aspart of the scheme, along with benches and resting pointsn Connects directly to the existing rights of way and access networks,to maximise onward route continuity opportunitiesFunding and Deliveryn The project has been jointly co-ordinated by Derbyshire andNottinghamshire County Councils with numerous project partnersincluding Cemex UK Materials Limited, The Countryside Agency(Natural England), Environment Agency, Notts Wildlife Trust, EnglishNature, Broxtowe Borough Council and Erewash Borough Counciln The scheme cost in excess of £300,000 with approx £150,000 beingdrawn from a successful bid to the Aggregates Levy Sustainabilityfund, £40,000from Derbyshire Environmental Trust Landfill Grantand £110,000 contributed from four local authoritiesn Cemex Ltd allowed development across their land, an aggregateextraction siteBenefits and successesn Achieves an important primary route identified on the DerbyshireStrategic Cycle Network – Derbyshire Local Transport Plan2006 – 2011n Helps to reduce carbon emissions by providing an alternative travelroute between Long Eaton and Nottinghamn Greenways improve accessibility to facilities, services, schools, work,places of interest and to the countryside. It provides alternativetransport choices and links communities together to reduceisolation and promote independence and well beingn Additional benefits are linked to the creation of new tourism basedinfrastructure to promote economic growth and sustainabledevelopmentOutcomesn This route has proved to be very popular and has received positivefeedback from the general publicn March to May 2008 loggers recorded over 10,200 visitorsn Path users with mobility difficulties can now access the river bankn Commuters use the route from Long Eaton to Nottinghamn A friends group for the area was developed on the back of thisscheme, known as the ‘Trent Valley Access Group’’Further ResourcesContact: Greenways Officer, Derbyshire Countryside Service,Environmental Services Department, Shand House, Matlock,Derbyshire, DE4 3RYTel: 01629 580000Publication: Cycle Derbyshire map/leafletWebsite address: www.derbyshire.gov.ukTitle:Drawn By:Trent Valley GreenwayAnna Chapman 17 October 2008© Crown copyright. All rights reserved. Northamptonshire County Council: Licence No. 100019331. Published 2008.Date:SPORT & RECREATION | 23

NATURAL PROCESSES &ENVIRONMENTAL SYSTEMSPrinciplesn Green Infrastructure (GI) should, as far as possible, work with andcontribute to natural processes and systems. Development has totake account of the impacts of natural processes and systems at thedesign stagen Development proposals should be made in accordance with therelevant Water Cycle Strategiesn As the Region has a significant amount of low-lying land,developments should incorporate Sustainable Drainage Systems(SuDS) into the design both within and outside of flood risk areasn Creative enhancement of water courses as features for recreationand biodiversity can also benefit flood storage capacity, e.g.wetlandsn Use more natural methods of protecting water quality whereappropriate, e.g. use of reed beds which also act as wildlife habitatn Opportunities should be taken to improve local environments andcontribute to sustainable development through providing GI, e.g.create new woodlands to improve air quality, reduce noise and lightpollution and to act as long term carbon sinks to offset carbonemissions and reduce the impact of global climate changen Development proposals should be made in accordance with therelevant Water Cycle Strategies© ALISON HEPWORTH24 | NATURAL PROCESSES & ENVIRONMENTAL SYSTEMS

CASE STUDY 13Wash Banks Flood DefenceScheme, LincolnshirePrinciplesn Work with naturen Minimise construction haul routesn Create 12 hectares of brackish lagoon (the borrow pit for the clay tobuild and strengthen the embankments)n Create 78 hectares of new saltmarsh habitatn Call down £800k of European Option 5b funding for cycle way andother environmental improvements.n Creation of a new RSPB Freiston Shore Nature Reserve covering 773hectaresn Economic regeneration – a fivefold increase in visitor numbers hasoccurred since it was opened.IntroductionThe Wash Banks flood defence scheme covers 8km of the coast of theWash in Lincolnshire from Hobhole Sluice in the Witham Haven toButterwick. The scheme was funded by grant aid from Defra and theLincolnshire Flood Defence Committee. Construction involved acombination of strengthening the existing embankment, the provisionof a new closure bank and the realignment of the sea defences toprovide a 12-hectare brackish lagoon and a 78-hectare realignmentarea to develop into a saltmarsh. This has provided a sustainable1:200 year standard of flood defence to the town of Boston and thesurrounding area. The original line of the sea defence was breachedin three places and construction of the project was effectivelycompleted at the time of the last breach in summer 2002.Key factorsn 8 km of improved flood defencesn 12 hectares of brackish lagoon habitat createdn 78 hectares of saltmarsh habitat createdn Avocets breeding in Lincolnshire for the first time in 100 yearsn £800k of Option 5b match funding obtainedn Economic regeneration – a fivefold increase in visitor numbers tothe areaFunding and DeliveryThe flood defence project was fully funded through Defra and theLincolnshire Flood Defence Committee. These funds were used asmatch funding to obtain £800k of European Option 5b funding forenvironmental and other access improvements.Benefits and successesn Fivefold increase in visitor numbersn 78 hectares of salt marsh createdn 12 hectares of brackish lagoon habitat createdn Avocets breeding in Lincolnshire for the first time in 100 yearsOutcomesThe project has provided a sustainable flood defence, as well ascreating an amenity area and has created a significant amount of saltmarsh habitat.Further ResourcesWebsite address: Nature reservewww.rspb.org.uk/reserves/guide/f/freistonshore/index.aspPrincipal contacts: Andrew Usborne, Environment AgencyTel: 01733 464469NATURAL PROCESSES & ENVIRONMENTAL SYSTEMS | 25

CASE STUDY 14The EPIC Centre PROJECT, Lincolnshireprinciplesn Play a critical part in a future where there is a balance between theexploitation and conservation of Lincolnshire’s environment and itsresourcesn Motivate individuals, businesses and communities withinLincolnshire to recognise their ability to mitigate the global effects ofhumanity’s activity on the environmentn Increase the number of visitors to Lincolnshire Showground from225,000 per year to over 500,000n Provide an ‘earth sensitive’ flexible environment from which to hostcorporate or social events for up to 1,900 peopleIntroductionThe EPIC Centre is part of the EPIC Project and stands forEnvironment, Protection, Innovation and Contemplation.This exemplar low carbon building is the largest purpose built greenevents centre in the UK, a powerhouse of new environmentaltechnologies and a beacon for education and change. It wasconstructed in less than 12 months and opened in June 2008.Key factorsThe building incorporates:n 3 interlinked exhibition halls – 1,570 m2n Suite of offices and meeting rooms – 485 m2n Kitchens, plant rooms toilets and circulation area – 1,243 m2n Construction ethos that focuses on sustainable materialsn Minimal use of concrete and structural steeln Ground bearing raft foundations using reclaimed concreten Laminated timber framen Living green roof over the exhibition hallsn Rainwater harvestingn Natural ventilation systemsn Renewable energy features including:Biomass boilerSolar water heating and photovoltaic panelsWind energyFunding and DeliveryThe overall budget of £7 million was supported though a EuropeanRegional Development grant of £1.66 million backed off against £1.25million of local authority support from Lincolnshire County Counciland West Lindsey District Council. An ongoing fundraising programhas realised £1.5 million to date, with the balance funded through abank loan.Benefits and successesThe building is already revealing a winning streak, it was central toLincolnshire Events Centre scooping the accolade of LincolnshireEnvironmental Business for 2008. Property Week magazine namedthe Centre one of the top 20 inspiring eco buildings in the UK. TheCentre also gained an ‘excellent’ accolade in the BREEAM Buildingsscheme, which assesses the environmental performance of buildings.OutcomesThe EPIC Project is clearly at an early stage in its evolution in terms ofvisitors passing through its doors. However, Lincolnshire EventsCentre has had the foresight and conviction to bring a unique andinnovative idea to fruition. Activity within the Centre will create anincome stream for the Lincolnshire Events Centre. As delivery isunderway, data linked to the technology within the building will becaptured and shared, information will be a resource that explains andcompares the options, strengths and weaknesses of the fast changingenvironmental technologies sector.Further ResourcesThose wanting to find our more about the EPIC Centre atLincolnshire Events Centre should call 01522 524240email events@lincolnshireshowground.co.ukor visit www.lincs-events.co.uk26 | NATURAL PROCESSES & ENVIRONMENTAL SYSTEMS

CASE STUDY 15The Avenue Washlands, Chesterfield,DerbyshirePRINCIPLESThe principles underpinning the Washlands are to:n Create an attractive community green infrastructure resourcen Create areas of biodiversity interestn Establish a receptor site for protected species that will need to betranslocated from the Coking Works during clean-upn Build community confidencen Ensure long-term stewardship and management is considered fromthe outsetIntroductionThe Washlands Nature Reserve at the former Avenue Coking Works inDerbyshire is an 18 hectare conservation project along the River Rother.Completed in 2005, it forms the first stage of the remediation of this 98hectare site, believed to be one of the most contaminated in Europe.The Avenue Coking Works closed in 1992 and lay derelict, causingsignificant blight and concern to the neighbouring communities ofWingerworth, Grassmoor, Tupton, Clay Cross and Chesterfield.In 1999 the East Midlands Development Agency (emda), funded byEnglish Partnerships, took over the management and remediation ofthe site.Above-ground dismantling of major structures such as chimneys,coking ovens and chemical plant was complete by 2003. Neverthelessan enormous legacy of surface and below-ground contaminationremains; including tar lagoons, waste tips and water-treatment lagoons.The approved masterplan is for mixed-use development withresidential and commercial elements, combined with a large sportsand amenity area, a new floodplain with flood storage wetlands and anextensive nature reserve along the corridor of the River Rother.Key factorsn Working with nature – to create floodplain habitats that willnaturally colonisen Working with the community – to consult on ideas and implement ascheme that meets achievable aspirationsn Working with the Derbyshire Wildlife Trust – as long-term managers,their insights and experience informed the detailed designn Using robust materials and keeping designs simple – to reducelong-term management costs, stone was widely used in sitefurniture. Grazing cattle on the meadows has reduced managementcosts and deterred vandalismFunding and DeliveryThe cost of creating the Washlands was approximately £1.3m. Thiswas funded by emda via the National Coalfields Programme, alongwith a dowry to fund the long term maintenance.Derbyshire Wildlife Trust has brought additional funding for specialprojects that have emerged as they manage the site. For example, DWTcollaborated with the Environment Agency in an eel recovery programme,whereby thousands of elvers were released into the new wetlands.DWT have also enabled private donations from legacies and landfilltax credits to create additional habitats, and provide site furniture.DWT is also working with local schools who use the new naturereserve as an educational facility.Benefits and successesn Creation of new multi-user access routes from nearby villagesthrough the siten New habitats for species of local and national importancen Increased community confidence in the regeneration of theCoking Worksn Reduction in anti-social behaviourn Increased levels of local community activity and involvement in theoutdoor environmentn A template for design of the green infrastructure to be createdthrough the remediation of the main coking works.OutcomesThe Washlands was built between 2004 and 2005. The land, previouslyrailway sidings and agricultural land, was converted to washlands,meadows, foot/cyclepaths with a Learning Centre.It is leased by emda to Land Restoration Trust (LRT) who work withDerbyshire Wildlife Trust (DWT) to manage the site.The site is used by several local groups as well as the Wildlife Trust. Amajor benefit for emda is that they have built community confidencein the regeneration process to the extent where there was widespreadsupport for the planning application for the site’s remediation. TheWashlands also offers a mature receptor site for the protected speciesthat will need to be translocated prior to earthworks.The remainder of the former Coking Works will be restored over thenext six years, with handover of the green infrastructure to LRT/DWTexpected in 2014.Further Resourceswww.theavenueproject.co.ukMike Fenton, emda Project Manager: Tel: 01246 207825Francis Hesketh, TEP (Consultant Landscape Architects/Ecologists):Tel: 01925 844004NATURAL PROCESSES & ENVIRONMENTAL SYSTEMS | 27

CASE STUDY 16UPTON SUSTAINABLE URBAN DRAINAGESYSTEM (SuDS), NORTHAMPTONIntroductionThe Upton development lies on ex-arable land to the South West ofNorthampton adjacent to the floodplain and the river channel of theRiver Nene upstream of Northampton. The development has beenbrought forward by English Partnerships (the land owner) for thedevelopment of an exemplar sustainable community that forms thefirst part of a major urban extension to Northampton. The site isregarded as an example of best practice in terms of communityplanning, urban design, conservation of natural resources, theconstruction of eco-homes and the installation of a roof to riversustainable drainage system (SuDS).Dealing effectively with storm water was a key priority for the plannedurban extension following the floods in Northampton in 1998. EnglishPartnerships recognised the importance of implementing aSustainable Drainage System (SuDS) scheme early in the designprocess to control surface water runoff at source.Key factorsn English Partnerships, Northampton Borough Council and thePrince’s Foundation held a four day “enquiry by design” masterplanning event in 2001n The event involved local residents, businesses and localstakeholders and statutory bodiesn Concerns of an increased risk of flood from planned newdevelopment identified storm water run off as the highest priorityn This led to the design by Pell Frischmann of SuDS components tocapture roof and road storm water run offn The SuDS scheme forms an integral hydrological element of thedevelopment including the utilisation of permeable paving to reducesurface run off impactsn The run off is conveyed into a series of retention ponds which linkinto parkland that forms a major element of Green Infrastructurethrough the creation of a new Country Parkn The University of Northampton has been monitoring variousenvironmental and social aspects and impacts of the developmentsince 2003Funding and DeliveryKey Stakeholders:n English Partnerships (developer)n Northampton Borough Council (land drainage and planning)n Northamptonshire County Council (highway authority and planningn Anglian Water (sewerage undertaker)n Pell Frischmann (SuDS design)n Local Residents (potential occupiers)n University of Northampton (research)Benefits and successesn Sustainability has been embedded in the Upton Design Coden Upton provides a demonstration site for current best practicesustainable urban development for the UKn Residents can experience a pedestrian friendly urban design withaccess to green spaces and open countryside; and can appreciatethe environmental benefit of the visible surface drainage systemn The filtering and slow passage of storm water runoff through theengineered and green environment allows for reduced water velocityand filtration of suspended solids which improve the quality of thewater before it enters receiving watersn Although still in the construction phase, the incorporation of SuDShas allowed rapid colonisation by aquatic and wetland speciesincluding UK Biodiversity Action Plan target speciesOutcomesUpton’s key development principles relate to promoting sustainablegrowth and incorporating appropriate flood mitigation through thedevelopment of a site specific Sustainable Drainage System (SuDS);whilst emphasising the importance of stakeholder involvement at theearliest possible stage. In tandem with this rests the opportunity toenhance the environmental assets in the locality and utilise thedevelopment as a focus for a detailed study on sustainabledevelopment over a wide range of social and environmental issues.Further ResourcesPrincipal contacts:Erica Davies is the local manager for Upton:EricaDavies@englishpartnerships.co.ukDesign engineers were Pell Frishmann contact:DClarke@pellfrischmann.comDr Janet Jackson, University of Northampton:janet.jackson@northampton.ac.ukSuDS: promoting good practice: www.ciria.org/suds28 | NATURAL PROCESSES & ENVIRONMENTAL SYSTEMS

MANAGING URBAN SPACES© PeNNY BOYESPrinciplesThe sympathetic and active management and maintenance of existingand new greenspace is essential to ensure its benefits are realised. Inparticular it is important to ensure that:n Funding for the sustainable management of urban greenspacesis criticaln Urban greenspace is managed to accommodate nature, wildlife andhistoric and cultural assets, and provide for sport and recreationn The significance of urban greenspaces and their contribution to localcharacter and biodiversity, is understood and informs theirprotection and managementn Consideration is given to their strategic importance and the potentialto link to or create urban green corridorsn Adequate provision is made for formal and informal recreationalactivities, including those that rely on the use of natural featuresor resourcesn Where appropriate, children have safe access to good quality,well designed secure and stimulating play and informalrecreation provisionn Urban parks and greenspaces are planned, managed and,where appropriate enhanced and restored, with the activeinvolvement of local communitiesn Consideration is given to the needs of all the users of green space© PeTER NEAL, CABE© PeNNY BOYESMANAGING URBAN SPACES | 29

CASE STUDY 17Stepping Stones Project,Central LeicestershirePrinciplesn Working in partnership, there will be opportunities for communityaction and participation in green infrastructure issuesn Everyone will enjoy well planned, managed and biodiverselandscapes that are resilient to the effects of climate changen Everyone will be able to participate in vibrant and competitive ruraland urban economies; andn Everyone will have opportunities to participate in a healthierlife styleIntroductionThe Stepping Stones Project has been running from LeicestershireCounty Council since 1992 and represents a partnership working inand around Leicester that aims to improve greenspace and make highquality Green Infrastructure available to all. Originally a CountrysideManagement Project working in the urban fringe the advent of growthareas in the County has meant the Project has had to make a stepchange to continue to be relevant.Key factorsn Increasing pressures on land for growthn Changing patterns in land ownershipn Climate changeFunding and DeliveryThe Project receives core funding from Leicestershire County Counciland the 5 partner Local Authorities. Increased financial support isbeing sought from Growth Point Funding amongst other sources sothat the Project can deliver its Action Plan.The Project works with planning authorities to ensure qualitygreen infrastructure within new and existing development. TheProject also offers grants, advice and training linked to greeninfrastructure issues.Benefits and successesAn established and trusted Project, Stepping Stones has been runningsuccessfully for over 15 years delivering high quality:n Green infrastructure schemes on both community and privatelyown landn Rural skills trainingn Strategies for the management of crucial open spaces such asGreen Wedgesn Awareness raising activitiesMuch of this will continue but the project is now working to a newlydeveloped Action Plan with a broader remit that will tackle GreenInfrastructural issues linked in particular to new Growth Areas.OutcomesThe Stepping Stones Project is the tangible expression of apartnership that will work to achieve the Vision to…”create amultifunctional, biodiverse and resilient network of countryside andurban green infrastructure that supports a vibrant and competitiveeconomy so that everyone living in, working in and visiting the areamay enjoy and participate in a high quality of life”.The Project will endeavour to generate additional resources and play acoordinating role across the partnership. A measure of success forthe partnership will be that the Project has helped achieve the Vision,either faster, or more efficiently than if it did not exist.Further ResourcesStepping Stones Project Delivery and Action Plan 2008.(can be viewed online)www.leics.gov.uk/steppingstonesAndy Jackson and Samantha Forster 0116 305 7221/726430 | MANAGING URBAN SPACES

CASE STUDY 18BREATHING SPACES - CENTRAL NORTHAMPTONCONNECTIONS, NORTHAMPTONSHIREVICTORIA PARK, NORTHAMPTONprinciplesn To revitalise and regenerate three interconnecting urban parks inNorthamptonn To engage with local communities and provide breathing spacesn To tackle issues of anti social behaviourn To promote leisure and cultural opportunitiesn To reconnect urban spaces with the River Nenen To form part of a larger strategy running between Wellingboroughand Northamptonn A summary of the project or initiative using the following headingsIntroductionConcentrating on Northampton as the southern Gateway to‘Breathing Spaces’, the scheme is a landscape scale strategy linkingWellingborough to Northampton via a series of sites and connectionsfollowing the River Nene in between. Three parks already connectedby a tributary of the river are Millers Meadow, Foot Meadow andVictoria Park in Northampton. All are within the 20% most deprivedareas in the country, less than a mile from the town centre, andsuffered from appearing to be run down and perceived locally as ‘nogo areas’.The project looked at and addressed all the issues raised throughvarious consultations; such as safety, lighting, improved paths andaccess, signage, play facilities, furniture and reconnecting the greenspaces to the river.Key factorsn To address local concernsn To deliver environmental improvements, provide information panels,safe play and exercise equipment and pleasant routes across townn To ensure improvements were sustainable and of a high qualityn To enhance the appearance of the Northampton Castle Stationenvironsn To provide a strategic link between the Brampton Valley, the townand the Nene ValleyFunding and Delivery£1.6 million (£650,000 RNRP) (£980,000 Caspar + NR) to deliver theimprovements over a two-year period from October 2006 – March2008. Delivery co-ordinated by NBC.Benefits and successesn Public perception of the parks has increased greatlyn Park usage has increasedn Organised activities in the parks has increasedn Anti social behaviour has been greatly reducedn The parks provide a pleasant pedestrian and cycle route acrossthe western part of the town, increasing choice and supportingmodal shiftOutcomesThe Breathing Spacesproject was very successfulin delivering its intendedoutcomes within thetimescale. The project camein on budget and was verywell received. It has beenheld up by other agencies inNorthamptonshire as anexample of what is requiredin other parks.Further ResourcesWS Atkins “River NeneBreathing Spaces -Aspirational Master Plan”March 2007Principal contact.James Ogle, NorthamptonBorough Council(01604) 838950© Crown copyright. All rights reserved.Northamptonshire County Council: Licence No. 100019331. Published 2008.MANAGING URBAN SPACES | 31

DESIGNPRINCIPLESn Each local delivery vehicle should create examples of GreenInfrastructure (GI) to a high design quality standard at an earlystage, to act as exemplars for other parts of the Region and othergrowth areasn The design of new GI should create a distinctive sense of placen Good quality design should incorporate the objectives of sustainabledevelopment that will deliver social and economic as well asenvironmental benefitsn The design of GI must be fundamental to the planning of town form,helping to integrate any new urban extensions with existingsettlements and the surrounding landscape. It should also conserveand enhance the character of distinctive settlements and preventurban coalescence. Landscape and urban characterisation shouldinform the design processn Design must seek creative green solutions to the infrastructuredemands of increasing population pressuren All new developments must be built to the highest environmentalstandards and contribute to improved environmental sustainabilityincluding water efficiency measures, e.g. SuDS, grey waterrecycling, rainwater butts, avoid planting vegetation that requireslarge amount of water, design for drier summersn Design should seek to manage flood risk at a spatial and local levelthrough green and openspaces. Where appropriate locally,sustainable solution such as SuDS are a key measure to reduceflood risk and have a whole range of biodiversity, water quality,water resources and recreational benefitsn GI should contribute to reducing crime and anti-social behaviourthrough well-designed public space, taking into account its use atnight as well as during the dayn Rights of Way Improvement Plans should be used to create andimprove Public Rights of Way and ensure a linked network providingaccess both to the greenspace on the doorstep and the widercountryside. The needs of all users should be taken into account,whether walking, cycling or horse ridingn GI offers the opportunity to build community cohesion and designshould offer cultural diversity of space and encourage access tosuch space for everyone32 | DESIGN

CASE STUDY 19Sherwood Energy Village, New Ollerton,North Nottinghamshireprinciplesn Social enterprisen Community involvementn Democratic ownership – Industrial & Provident Societyn Community asset developmentn Sustainable developmentn Environmental protectionn Strategic land developmentIntroductionFollowing the closure of the Ollerton colliery in 1994, SherwoodEnergy Village (SEV) has taken ownership of the site to develop the 91acre site into a mixed use development incorporating industrial/commercial, housing, leisure, and environmental learning purposes.In essence delivering sustainable development in a commercialsetting.Key factorsn Community skills basen Traditional culture of social interactionn Clear vision of what SEV wanted to do, and not selling outn Persistence and tenacityn Local controln Anticipating & harnessing regeneration investment ‘trends’n Ownership of the whole siteFunding and DeliveryEnglish Partnership, ERDF Objective 2, Landfill Tax Credit monieswere invested in remedial works on site.Benefits and successesn Bringing back into use a 91 acre former colliery siten Accessible green spaces for local communitiesn Building and usage of one of largest SuDS water managementsystems in the UKn Attracting commercial businesses to relocate to site, bringing newjobs and investmentn Demonstrating commercial viability and sustainable developmentn Investment and demonstration of sustainable design andconstruction principles in a commercial marketn Future provision of over 190 affordable and sustainably designeddwellingsn Design, construction and operation of a centrepiece 20,000 squarefoot office development demonstrating numerous sustainabledesign principlesOutcomesSEV have been successful in attracting industrial and commercialbusinesses to relocate to the site bringing additional employment andinvestment in the area. We are also in the first phase of building over190 new sustainable dwellings in the heart of the community, andhave developed a green infrastructure model protecting andpromoting the biodiversity of the flora and fauna on site.Further ResourcesName and year of key documents: Company Registration 1996Website address: www.sev.org.ukPrincipal contacts. Stan Crawford Managing DirectorDESIGN | 33

CASE STUDY 20THE EcoHouse, LeicesterIntroductionThe EcoHouse is Britain’s original environmental show home. Laid outlike a real show home it showcases hundreds of environmentallyfriendly products for the home and simple ideas for energy efficiencyas well as renewable energy technology. The garden showcasesorganic, permaculture gardening and wildlife habitats within anurban setting.One half of the building is a 1930s house which has been retro-fittedto be eco friendly. The other half is a purpose built extension addedin 2000.The project is open to the public five days per week (including theweekend) in the summer and on weekends during the winter. Anaudio tour guides visitors around the building and garden and explainskey features to them. The project can also be pre-booked for guidedtours and room bookings.Key factorsn Evacuated tube solar thermal panel working in conjunction with ahighly efficient gas boilern Photovoltaic solar paneln Domestic wind turbinen Under floor heatingn Loft and cavity wall insulationFunding and DeliveryThe project receives a Service Level Agreement (SLA) from LeicesterCity Council towards the running of the project. The project alsogenerates income through an admissions charge, room hire fees andguided tour fees.The extension was built with a lottery grant.Benefits and successesn Around 200,000 people have visited the EcoHouse since it opened in1989n More than 90% of visitors to the show home leave intending to makea positive change to their own home or gardenn Limited follow up surveys suggest that around 70% of visitors domake a positive change to their own homes or garden as a result oftheir visitn Around 900 school children from Leicester City visit the projectevery yearFurther Resourceswww.gwll.org.uk/ecohouse0116 254 5489ecohouse@gwll.org.ukn Use of construction waste in the building materials for the extensionn Use of colour damaged brick, which were destined for landfill, inthe extensionn Passive stack ventilation system in the kitchen34 | DESIGN

COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT© ROCKINGHAM FOREST TRUSTPrinciplesn Green Infrastructure (GI) should provide a focus for social inclusion,education, training, health and wellbeing through communityinvolvement and life-long learningn Encourage community involvement from the outset in design,implementation and care as local communities are often well placedto identify the type of GI that suits their needs best and it helpsensure long-term management and ownership of GI sitesn Encourage the involvement of special interest groups as they canhave a fundamental role in building strong local commitment to thechanging landscapeCOMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT | 35

CASE STUDY 21Greenwood Community Forest,NottinghamshireprinciplesWorking across all areas of sustainable development, by aiming to:n Create a more attractive landscape whilst conserving andenhancing biodiversityn Encourage more active and healthier communities with the desireand skills to get positively engaged in their local environmentn Help to stimulate a woodland economy that supports thewoodland resourceIntroductionGreenwood Community Forest was established in 1991. It plays amajor role in revitalising Nottinghamshire, by developing newwoodlands and green open space to enhance and regenerate urbanareas and the urban fringe.Greenwood is delivered by local authorities and other organisations,drawn together by a shared mission:“To work in partnership to enable Nottinghamshire’s communities tocreate, improve and enjoy woodlands and other high quality accessiblegreen spaces in a sustainable way that benefits the environment,landscape and the local economy.”A small team is employed to work on behalf of the partnership. Thisteam has co-ordinated a diverse range of projects that are helping totransform underused and derelict land into wildlife rich woodlandsand green open spaces.Key factorsn Partnership working – sharing experience and expertise, poolingresources across boundariesn Innovation – new activities and different ways of working to grabthe imaginationn Community engagement - ensuring that green spaces are used andcared for and that activities improve the life of those living in andaround the areaFunding and Delivery£140k pa core costs met by local authority partnersBigger projects are supported by external funding sourced by theteam and according to need. Examples:n Country park currently in development: offers of funding totallingnearly £1.9 million from English Partnerships and othersn Regeneration of former waste tip site: £200k from Living Spacesprogramme, Landfill Tax credits and local authority grant aidn Park Life project: Big Lottery/Sport England funding of £180KBenefits and successesn Landscape change, by creating new woodland and other habitatsn Regeneration of former colliery sites and other derelict sitesn Local engagement, by developing and encouraging a network ofFriends groups and by providing events targeted at underrepresentedgroups from deprived areasn Improving health, the Park Life project brought together parks,sports and health professionals to provide innovative physicalactivities on local greenspacesOutcomesn Over 1,300 ha of new woodland as well as creating or improving themanagement of over 1,200 ha of other habitatsn Derelict sites transformed into accessible green spaces for thepublic to enjoyn 36 Friends groups actively caring for, enhancing and promoting theirlocal green spacesn Over 3 years, Park Life delivered 162 events, enjoyed by nearly13,000 participantsFurther ResourcesGreenwood Community Forest website www.greenwoodforest.org.ukprovides access to a range of our publications, including:n Good Practice Guide (exemplars)n Community Woodland Handbook (for community groups)n Strategic Plan (currently under review)n Park Life reportMain contact: Malcolm HackettT: 01623 827327 E: malcolm.hackett@nottscc.gov.uk36 | COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT

CASE STUDY 22River Nene Regional ParkGreen INFRASTRUCTURE EnvironmentalGrant Scheme, NORTHAMPTONSHIREBrambleside School, KetteringPrinciplesThe projects should help to:n Benefit communitiesn Improve green transport routesn Enhance historic buildingsn Improve the landscapen Enhance and create wildlife habitatsn Promote enjoyment and understanding of the countrysideand/or environmentn Promote rural business and support environmental diversificationIntroductionThe River Nene Regional Park was awarded a grant from theDepartment for Communities and Local Government to fund localenvironmental projects. The scheme, which could fund up to 75% ofthe project cost, was set up to promote the link between urban andrural communities, encourage understanding of the environment andenhance the built and natural environment.Key FactorsThe projects needed to incorporate some or all of the following:n Improving the character and quality of the landscapen Biodiversity – improving the diversity of wildlife and plantsn Recreation and leisuren Link urban areas to the countrysideFunding and DeliveryOver £400,000 was allocated to 31 projects across a wide range areaof the Regional Parks’ investment area. Grants varied from £500 forwater to an allotment site to over £76,000 for historic buildingrestoration and conservation.Benefits and successesBiodiversity Action Plan (BAP) habitats restored or created:n Six ponds restored or enlargedn Several kilometres of hedgerow planted or restoredn Coppicing of ancient woodland reintroducedn Woodland, meadow and wetland purchase part fundedn Woodland creation part fundedn Wildflower meadow, wood pasture and wet meadow creation fundedn Ancient orchard restoration fundedBAP species aided:n Black hairstreak survey and habitat workn Habitats created for birds and batsAccess created and interpretation provided:n Several schemes included either new footpaths or upgradedsurfaces to all abilityn Interpretation provided at seven sitesOther benefits:n Play equipment providedn Outdoor garden at a pre-schooln Wildlife garden at a schooln Improvements at three allotment sitesn Two arts and the community projectsn Conservation and restoration at two historic building sitesOutcomesA highly successful project highlighted in the National Award forExcellence awarded to the RNRP by the Academy for SustainableCommunities ‘Creating the Future Awards 2008’.The applicants for the grants were all impressed with the speed andstraightforwardness of the application process and the lack ofbureaucracy which allowed the maximum amount of money to bespent on the projects and the minimum amount on administration.The £400,000 worth of grant money attracted over £600,000 of furtherfunding thus for every £1 worth of grant funding a further £1.73 wasobtained. The grant scheme attracted 19 new partners for the RNRPto work with, many of whom would not have been seen as typicalpartner organisations.Dr Robin Field, Land Advisor, River Nene Regional ParkMain contact: 01604 237243Further ResourcesGreen Infrastructure Grant Scheme - ProjectsRiver Nene Regional Parkwww.riverneneregionalpark.orgNorthamptonshire Biodiversity Action PlanWildlife Trust for Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire,Northamptonshire and Peterboroughwww.northamptonshirebiodiversity.orgNorthamptonshire’s Environmental Character andGreen Infrastructure SuiteRiver Nene Regional Parkwww.rnrpenvironmentalcharacter.org.ukCOMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT | 37

LANDSCAPE SCALECONNECTIVITYprinciplesn Establish an overall GI strategy within which to set landscapescale schemesn Optimise landscape scale features and opportunities to developa visionn Consider delivering landscape scale GI corridors by linking localschemes and/or flagship projectsn Develop accessibility of urban centres to maximise potential as‘gateways’ to rural areasn Integrate and develop multi-functional greenspace intodevelopment proposalsn Improve access for all, using cycle and pedestrian routes and theopening up of disused railway linesn Create sustainable green spaces to link people from doorstepto countrysiden Provide opportunities for safe and healthy activities for all agesand abilitiesn Safeguard natural and cultural assets and make themmore accessiblen Balance the conservation and enhancement of the environment withincreasing accessibility and use of natural and cultural assetsn Showcase habitat management and restoration techniques38 | LANDSCAPE SCALE CONNECTIVITY

CASE STUDY 23Breathing Spaces – The Northampton toWellingborough Reach of the River Nene,Northamptonshireprinciplesn Improving connections along the Nene Valley, linking the BramptonValley Way to the north and the woodlands to the east to the NeneValley and from Northampton to Wellingboroughn Developing landscape scale, accessible multi-functional greenspacen Developing the accessibility of the urban centres at either end tofulfil their potential as “gateways” to the Nene Valleyn Creating sustainable green space to link people from their doorstepto the countrysiden Providing positive benefits to deprived areas of Northamptonshire’slargest urban growth towns, Northampton and Wellingboroughn Connecting communities with nature and the Nene Valleyn Enhancing and making natural and cultural facilities more accessibleIntroductionBreathing Spaces provides a framework for the development andlinking of a series of accessible community greenspaces, eachcontributing to the over arching GI network along the River NeneRegional Park “green investment area” and the emerging North &West Northamptonshire Green Infrastructure frameworks.Three priority green space projects have been taken forward to createa landscape scale sustainable green corridor that enhances andmakes accessible local green spaces and linking these with two ofNorthamptonshire’s largest urban growth settlements along the NeneValley. This initiative forms the spine of an ongoing and far reachingproject that is being implemented by the RNRP and its deliverypartners from the public, private and third sectors.Key factorsn Strategic landscape scale GI project delivered in conjunction with aseries of linked local schemesn Major improvements to access using cycle and pedestrian routes,including opening up disused railway lines, to open up the Valleyn Developing greenways through towns as part of the regeneration ofurban parks and encouraging modal shiftn Improvements to Lings Wood and Fox Covert to transform areasformerly associated with anti-social behaviourn Providing opportunities for better access and engagement with theriver Nene and the resources of the valleyn Securing improvements for visitors and biodiversity at sites such asSummer Leys Local Nature Reserve, at key destinations in andcorridors through the landscapen Development of a Nene Valley Strategy to draw togetheropportunities for longer-term management, including the formergravel pits, a potential Special Protection Area (pSPA) aninternational wildlife designation, as part of a wider plann Providing opportunities for safe and healthy activities for all agesand abilitiesFunding and DeliveryFunding was provided by the River Nene Regional Park, fromCommunities and Local Government (CLG), working with RNRPdelivery partners from the public, private and third sectors. Keypartners are the Wildlife Trust, who acquired and manage SummerLeys and Lings Wood, Northampton Borough Council whoco-ordinated and manage the Central Parks projects and the BoroughCouncil of Wellingborough who are responsible for the planning,development and open space management of the growth settlement.Benefits and successesn A vision and strategic landscape scale plan for the future of theNene Valleyn Summer Leys is now successfully managed as an accessible NatureReserve half way between Northampton and Wellingborough, and isa model for surrounding areasn Regular education activities run by The Wildlife Trust, based at LingsWood and other LNRsn Town residents are benefiting from these links, such as to theBrampton Valley Way, travelling to these areas using the cycle andfootpaths, with less need to take a carn Accessible riverside walks, such as the Embankment atWellingborough, with associated facilitiesOutcomesThe wider Breathing Spaces project has addressed healthy living, biodiversityand sustainability policy targets and contributed strongly tothe provision of an integrated Green Infrastructure in a key location forthe growth agenda in Northamptonshire. The project has helped tolink communities from their doorsteps to the countryside, targetingsome of the most urban areas of Northamptonshire’s Mid-NeneValley. It also supports and extends essential greenspacerequirements for the new Sustainable Urban Extension (SUE) atWellingborough East (also known as Stantons Cross) and access tothe Nene Valley to the east and west, and the Ise Valley to the north.Further ResourcesThe Wildlife Trusts ‘Vision for the Valley’The above document and more information on the project can befound at www.rnrp.orgContact the RNRP Executive Team onT: (01604) 237648 E: rnrp@northamptonshire.gov.ukThe Northamptonshire Wildlife TrustT: (01604) 405285 E: Tom.Day@wildlifebcnp.orgContact the Borough Council of WellingboroughT: (01933) 231730 E: pthompson@wellingborough.gov.ukLANDSCAPE SCALE CONNECTIVITY | 39

CASE STUDY 24Lincoln Sub-regional Country Park,LINCOLNSHIREprinciplesn To strengthen partnership working though a shared taskn To engage with stakeholders early in the processn To bridge the gap between RSS policy and on the ground deliveryn To distil large amounts of information and many ideas into asuccinct documentn To provide a sound basis on which a project plan can be developedIntroductionLincolnshire Structure Plan and draft RSS are committed to thedelivery of a sub-regional country park on the western side of Lincoln.The aim of the Park is to improve linkages between the many naturalassets on this side of the city, provide a wide range of multifunctionalopen spaces that link the City to its surrounding countryside, protectbiodiversity and create accessible and enjoyable opportunities forrecreation.Key Factorsn Needed to find a way of moving from the policy in the StructurePlan/ draft RSS to developing a project plan and deliveringsomething on the groundn Needed to ensure that people/organisations felt involved early in theprocess and that the task group could be confident that it wasworking with the agreement of stakeholdersn Needed to have a document that everyone could sign up to that didnot involve a long study or a lengthy reportFunding and DeliveryNatural England provided the funding for the Concept Statementincluding the hire of a venue for the workshop and a consultant tofacilitate the event and write up the statement. The draft was thencommented on by an informal task group with representatives fromthe four Councils and other stakeholders which reports to therespective Councils’ Members through the Lincoln Area StrategicPlanning Joint Advisory Committee. A project officer will be appointedshortly who will use the concept statement as a basis for preparing amore detailed programme of development and delivery. This post willbe funded initially through Growth Point money.Benefits and SuccessesThe process of producing a Concept Statement:n provided a focus for the task groupn enabled stakeholders to be involved early in the processn meant that many ideas about the park were generated very quicklyn enabled a consensus to be reached about what the broad scope,principles and aspirations are for the parkOutcomesThe outcome is a document that can be referred to when explainingour vision and our aims, and which will provide a steer to the projectofficer when developing a programme for delivery.Further ResourcesLincoln Sub-regional Country Park Concept Statement, 2008www.n-kesteven.gov.uk/subregionalcountryparkFor further information contact Gill Wilson, Development StrategyTeam Leader at City of Lincoln Council, gill.wilson@lincoln.gov.uk40 | LANDSCAPE SCALE CONNECTIVITY

CASE STUDY 25Whisby Nature Park, LINCOLNSHIREprinciplesn Safeguard and manage the rich biodiversity of the siten Showcase habitat management and restoration techniquesn Encourage managed access for alln Use the site for “green education” in the widest sensen Encourage volunteer input at all levels of the operationIntroductionA large (144 hectare) complex of worked out gravel pits on thesouthwest outskirts of Lincoln. A very wide range of habitats fromopen water/bare ground through to oak woodland, covering manysuccessional stages.The name “Nature Park” is to indicate the site has nature reservequality but with the robust access of a country park.The Nature Park has been operational for 20 years.Key factorsn Extremely rich wildlife component (500+ plant species and 200+ birdspecies recorded)n The physically robust nature of the site allows it to be promoted forvisitor use (c.a. 100,000 pa) without damaging the rich biodiversityn The site is managed for nature conservation and has no conflictswith other user groupsFunding and DeliveryThe site is managed on a day-to-day basis by the Lincolnshire WildlifeTrust, who also own part of the site. Two gravel companies lease theremainder on 125 year lease. The site is funded and governed by apartnership of LWT, Lincolnshire County Council and North KestevenDistrict Council.Benefits and successesFrom the original portacabin office/classroom the park now boasts aMillenium Lottery funded £3M visitor centre/education building andestate workshop.Three large lakes have been added to the park over the 20 years tohelp spread the increasing visitor pressure.A flood relief scheme incorporated into the lakes has given precisewater level controls to maximise the bird interest on the main lake.Visitor numbers have increased from 15,000 to 100,000 pa with nodiscernable detriment to the wildlife component.Five miles of visitor route, the vast majority of which is to “access forall” standard.Flagship species such as nightingales, kingfishers, common ternsand orchids are all flourishing.A whole sub-regional country park concept has been identified,spreading right into Lincoln city, to join up all the green space, withWhisby Nature Park at the hub.Ongoing consultation with the gravel companies about futureexpansion possibilities, with land being identified directly forconservation restoration through planning, rather than thecompromise “low level agriculture”.Outcomes (conclusion)The project has seen a dramatic development from abandoned gravelpits to major public facility in 20 years. The extensive and complexhabitats, through careful management, support an incredible wealthof flora and fauna.Further Resourceswww.lincstrust.org.uk/reserves/whisby/index.phpPhil Porter, Site Manager01507 500676lwt@whisby.org.ukLANDSCAPE SCALE CONNECTIVITY | 41

STATEGIC FRAMEWORK &DELIVERY PROGRAMMEGI should be used to provide a network of greenspaces that isattractive and easily accessible, serving the needs of both rural andurban communities and strengthening the links between them. GIshould be multi-functional wherever possible. Integration with theplanning system is essential to deliver GI across the Region.Strategically significant potential routes and sites for greeninfrastructure should be safeguarded, where appropriate, within localdevelopment frameworks and supplementary planning documents.There should be a co-ordinated approach in relation to natural assetsacross the Region to ensure assets are viewed as inter-linked regionalassets not isolated pockets. The planning system provides aframework within which LAs and LDVs can work in partnership todeliver GI.Rights of Way Improvement Plans must address how the PublicRights of Way network meets the needs of people now and in thefuture. Routes within development will need to be created orimproved, as will the links from new development to the countryside;some routes will need improvement to cope with higher usage. Thiskind of linked network creates access for the wider range of users,providing more opportunity for more people to be physically active.Well designed public space can contribute to crime reduction and thisis an important factor when considering green infrastructure inspatial planning. Attention should be given to the design of greenroutes, for use during the day and at night, in order to providegreenspace while ensuring people’s sense of comfort and safety.Green Belt land should be retained, unless in exceptionalcircumstances there is a strategic need for release, in accordancewith government guidelines and where appropriate extended, toprevent coalescence. Its amenity value as openspace should beenhanced and greater biodiversity encouraged.Model Local Development Framework (LDV) PolicyWhat is achievable at any given location will depend on localcircumstances and the scale of development taking place, butinnovative solutions need to be encouraged at every level. The localarea’s important environmental and cultural assets, some of whichare of national or regional significance, not only need to be protectedbut also, where appropriate, enhanced. The Growth Area and GrowthPoints provide opportunities for this and for access and managementfor the benefit of an increased population.Throughout the Region, the following will be sought in order toachieve a net gain in GI including:n Protecting and enhancing existing natural, historic and recreationalassets including recreational routes and sports facilities andcountryside charactern Improving the management of existing assets and provision of newGI to meet growth requirementsn Establishing a network of multi-functional greenspaces in urbanareas, urban fringe and the wider countryside, as part of the processof developing more sustainable, safer, secure and attractive naturalbuilt and formn Ensuring good accessibility of GI provision that promotes healthylifestyles and can be used for formal and informal recreational andeducational purposesn Maintaining and increasing the local area’s stock of strategic GIassetsLocation HierarchyGI should have a multiple hierarchy of provision, in terms of location(from urban neighbourhoods to the open countryside), function, sizeand levels of use – at every spatial scale across the Region.GI must be located to link or extend the network of existing sites,providing green corridors for wildlife and people from urban throughsuburban to the rural environment. It should be based upon analysisof local needs and opportunities and seek to apply the generallocation hierarchy.n Areas within new developmentn Adjacent to new developmentn Within the Local Development Framework arean Across Local Development Framework areas, including crossregional boundariesResourcingGreen Infrastructure (GI) provision requires the establishment ofsound funding and delivery processes (e.g. further public finance andthe use of a developer contribution framework or the CommunityInfrastructure Levy) based upon the principles outlined in this guide.This would identify the types, sizes and locations of assets requiredand the contribution levels expected to assist in their delivery,including the improved management of existing GI assets and futuremanagement of new assets.The funding of new assets, facilities and services should not prejudicethe viability of either existing assets or projects. Where there areexisting environmental enhancement mechanisms with delivery plansthat are endorsed locally, developer contributions that are in line withthe endorsed plan should be sought.42 | STRATEGIC FRAMEWORK & DELIVERY PROGRAMME

Although development should make a significant contribution to thecreation and establishment of new GI, developer contributions alonewill not deliver sufficient funds to provide a step change in GI.Therefore, it is essential that key players, such as local deliveryvehicles, co-ordinate efforts to attract funding over the long-term toresource GI that is necessary to deliver the aspirations ofcommunities, especially in and around the Growth Areas and GrowthPoints across the East Midlands. While there may be opportunities forcentral government funding, existing good practice in securingfunding, from the Region and elsewhere, should be used as a startingpoint. Lottery funding may be available for some existing facilities.Acknowledging the multi-functional aspects of GI can help to securefunding over the long term. For example, actively managing reed bedsin an environmentally appropriate context can form part of an area’smanagement of surface water and increase biodiversity. This neededto consider and manage GI in a wider environmental and socialcontext may open opportunities to attract match funding from a widerange of funding organisations.When creating new projects, long-term maintenance andmanagement should not be overlooked. Endowment or other sourcesof ring-fenced funds should be sought from development and setaside for future revenue requirements. Alternatively, funding could besecured from an annual ground rent on new development that wouldmake provision for long-term management of strategic GI.Opportunities also exist for increasing the contribution of rural areasto GI through improved management and access. This may beachieved through the Environmental Stewardship Scheme, where themanagement of landscape is largely outside planning control.Examples of longer-term governance models include:n An informal partnership of supportive organisationsn A semi-autonomous, formalised partnership of supportiveorganisationsn A group of existing Local Delivery Vehiclesn An independent Trust or Companyn A new Park Authority or similar organisationn A Regional Park Development CompanyStrategic Approach to Developer ContributionsThe primary vehicle by which developer contributions have beensecured to date has been through Section 106 Agreements. However,following extensive consultation, a more strategic approach has beendeveloped that will provide greater certainty to developers and ensurethat the cumulative effects of smaller development can be betteraddressed and support the funding of important sub-regionalinfrastructure.The Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL), the provisions for which arecurrently going through Parliament, will be a new charge which localauthorities in England and Wales will be empowered, but not required,to charge on most types of new development in their area. CILcharges will be based on simple formulae which relate the size of thecharge to the size and character of the development paying it. Theproceeds of the levy will be spent on local and sub-regionalinfrastructure to support the development of the area.This advocates a joined-up approach to the delivery of infrastructurethrough developer contributions, encouraging local planningauthorities and local delivery vehicles to consider how a range ofdevelopments can contribute to the delivery of necessaryinfrastructure.Planning Policy Guidance 17(PPG17), July 2002 on Open Space, Sport and Recreation advocatesthat local authorities carry out detailed assessments of all their areasof open space. Additional resources would enable this to be carriedout across the Sub-Region. CABE Space has funds to providespecialist advice to local authorities through their Enabler scheme.PPS 12 - Planning Policy StatementPPS 12, updated in June 2008 on Local Spatial Planning now includesGreen Infrastructure (GI) and addresses how GI networks can beprovided and supported now and in future to benefit and deliversustainable communities.STRATEGIC FRAMEWORK & DELIVERY PROGRAMME | 43

CASE STUDY 26Environmental Character Assessment andGreen Infrastructure suite (ECA & GI Suite),NORTHAMPTONSHIREprinciplesExisting and emerging landscape character assessments are essential to:n Review local landscape designationsn Establish objective environmental base line datan Identify natural and cultural assetsn Establish and define local landscape charactern Inform strategic environmental policy and the planning and developmentof growth areasn Inform the development and management of Green Infrastructure (GI)networks as an integral part of new developmentn Identify constraints and opportunities across the sub regionn Inform master planning to guide development at a more localised leveln Consider the potential for the restoration of disused and derelict sitesthat are unsuitable for development or have nature conservation orhistoric interest that should be conserved and properly managedIntroductionThe ECA&GI suite represents a milestone in the evolution of landscapecharacter assessment and management. It differs from previousapproaches in that separate assessments of the current, historic andbiodiversity character were undertaken. Whilst these have been drawntogether in an Environmental Character Assessment, they provide detailedinformation on methodologies, assessments, strategies and guidelines.However, it takes characterisation forward by developing and defining GreenInfrastructure and establishing a network of strategic and local GI corridors.Key factorsn The ECA&GI suite was designed as a tool for planners that could also beused by the development industry, environmentalists, special interestgroups and the general publicn The interactive suite has an introductory guide and is available on theRNRP website and a CD that links to the website to give access to data onNorthamptonshire’s historic and current landscapes, wildlife and ecologyn It provides interactive access to text and map based information withillustrations of examples of landscape character areas and their featuresn The toolkit provides an objective and transparent framework that informsthe Local Development Frameworks and Core Spatial Strategies of boththe North and West Northamptonshire LDVs, promotes a strategicapproach to integrated environmental management and a strategicapproach to Green Infrastructure (GI)Funding and DeliveryThe project started in November 2001 and was launched in November 2006.It was developed as an objective planning tool with an integrated approachto environmental management to provide clear and authoritative strategyand guidance. Methodologies were subjected to peer review and usedcutting edge techniques for mapping, survey and analysis, to support theplanning process.FundingThe evidence base RNRP draws on, and the strategic function it provides,supports the delivery of effective and sustainable environmental projectsand a Green Infrastructure network to provide ‘liveability’ for new andexisting communities within the MKSM Growth Area. The success of theapproach is demonstrated by the £6 million government funding securedfor Green Infrastructure, which levered in a further £6 million in grants andpartner funding to delivery £12 million of green investment.AcknowledgementsThe ECA&GI suite was developed with the support of Steering and ProjectGroups drawn from the partnership, and are acknowledged in the suite.Benefits and successesn ECA & GI was developed with partnership support, the digital tool kitgiving access to strategic and detailed information to shape the CoreSpatial Strategies (CSS) and Local Development Frameworks (LDF) forNorth and West Northamptonshire (NNDC)n The project supported the establishment of, the River Nene RegionalPark (RNRP), which has since become the focus for environmentalinnovation and green investment in Northamptonshiren At the ECA & GI launch, NNDC demonstrated the importance of itsintegration into the LDF and CSS showing how the environmentalsensitivity analysis informed the direction of the urban extensions. Thisprocess is being adopted across the county with ECA & GI being adopted inWest Northamptonshiren Having a strategic framework for the implementation of GI, the RNRPpartnership has secured and delivered a £12 million green investment inNorthamptonshiren The ECA & GI process has been based on adopting an holistic approachto secure environmental, social and economic benefits. These areintegral to the projects already delivered, such as Salcey Forest andStanwick lakes, where economic viability has been achieved, withsignificant improvements to the environmental and social wellbeing oflocal communities, and a balance between protecting the assets whilstincreasing visitor numbersn ECA & GI provides a framework for integrated environmentalmanagement to complement the development of the growth areas which,as part of the statutory planning process, embraces all aspects fromstrategy, policy and prioritisation, to implementation and monitoringOutcomesn ECA & GI is an exemplar environmental initiative and planning tooln It uses GIS, which can incorporate socio-economic data setsn It supports the findings of the East Midlands public benefit mapping projectn The potential of the toolkit is still being developed through the integratedlandscape sensitivity and GI studies, which inform directions for growthand set the framework for strategic GI requirementsFurther ResourcesName and year of key documents: Environmental Character Assessmentand Green Infrastructure study (ECA & GI Suite), November 2006Website address: www.rnrpenvironmentalcharacter.org.ukPrincipal contacts: Michel Kerrou, CEO, River Nene Regional ParkTel: 01604 236331 E: mkerrou@northamptonshire.gov.uk44 | STRATEGIC FRAMEWORK & DELIVERY PROGRAMME

CASE STUDY 27GI INTERIM PLANNING GUIDANCE (IPG)NOTE 11 (SEPT 2008), MANSFIELDDISTRICT, NOTTINGHAMSHIREPrinciplesThe Green Infrastructure IPG sets out a framework for identifyingwhere:n Protection is vitaln Enhancement and investment of GI is requiredn Development can provide for important enhancement of the GreenInfrastructure network and vice versaIntroductionIn 2006, Mansfield District Council (MDC) recognised the importanceof Green Infrastructure in relation to urban development pressuresand the inter-connected nature of open spaces. In partnership withthe Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust and with support from GreenwoodCommunity Forest and the County Council, Mansfield District Councilcommenced work on a Draft Interim Planning Guidance (IPG)document. It is the first strategy to take a specific, integrated andcomprehensive approach to the District’s green space, habitat andtrail networks. A public consultation period on the IPG runs from 24thSeptember until 5th November 2008.When adopted, the Green Infrastructure IPG will set out a vision, aims,objectives and policy framework for GI in the District. It will alsoprovide a methodology (GI Framework) for underpinning a future GIAction Plan (proposed Spring 2009) which will address site specificallocations and policy recommendations. The GI Frameworkincludes: Networks of Sites Sensitive to Development; HabitatsNetwork; Recreational Access Network; Landscape CharacterConnectors; and Multi-functionality assessment.Key Factorsn Based on a need to inform the Local Development Framework andprovide an evidence base for future planning decisionsFunding and DeliveryThe document’s development has been funded by Mansfield DistrictCouncil and guided by a steering group including NottinghamshireWildlife Trust, Nottinghamshire County Council and GreenwoodCommunity Forest. Various stakeholders have also been consultedover the course of its development. The proposed GI Action Plan islikely to involve a variety of stakeholders and funding streams.Benefits and Successesn Draft Green Infrastructure Interim Planning Guidance producedn Increased recognition of Green Infrastructure through the publicconsultation processn Creation of a Sustainability Planning Officer postn Partnership workingn Improved greenspace mapping data bankOutcomesn Overall, the Green Infrastructure IPG provides a comprehensive andintegrated approach to greenspace, landscape, recreational trails,and habitats networksn Provides an important evidence base for the emerging LocalDevelopment Framework and ensuring that the environmental,social and cultural importance of the network of green sites withinMansfield is taken account of in future planning decisionsn The IPG will underpin a GI Action Plan providing specific policy andGI investment recommendations. Central to this action plan isidentifying areas where protection is vital, where enhancement andinvestment is required, and where development can enhance GI andvice versa. This is an upcoming documentFurther ResourcesKey Documents: Draft Interim Planning Guidance Note 11: GreenInfrastructure (September 2008), Green Infrastructure IPGInformation Leaflet (September 2008)Website Address: www.mansfield.gov.uk/ipgPrinciple Contact: Kira Besh (Sustainable Planning Officer)kbesh@mansfield.gov.uk, 01623 463195HabitatsNetworkLandscapeCharacter &ConnectorsNetwork ofSites Sensitiveto DevelopmentGIMultifunctionalityRecreationalAccessNetworkSTRATEGIC FRAMEWORK & DELIVERY PROGRAMME | 45

CASE STUDY 28CORE SPATIAL STRATEGY,NORTH NORTHAMPTONSHIRE© Crown copyright. All rights reserved. Northamptonshire County Council: Licence No. 100019331. Published 2008.Principlesn Provide strategic direction, with the goal of North Northamptonshirebecoming a showpiece for green living, with a high qualityenvironment and a prosperous economyn Partnership working by Corby, Kettering, Wellingborough and EastNorthamptonshire Councils, and Northamptonshire County Council,as the Joint Planning Unit (through a Joint Planning Committee) inthe development of the Core Spatial Strategyn Core Spatial Strategy is the foundation of the Local DevelopmentFramework for North Northamptonshiren Local Development Framework reflects national and regional policy(Regional Spatial Strategy 8)n The Core Spatial Strategy fully embraces the ethos of sustainabledevelopment with Green Infrastructure at its coreIntroductionNorth Northamptonshire is a key component of the MKSM growtharea, accommodating 52,100 new dwellings by 2021; with the creationof 43,800 new jobs over the same period. As well as supporting urbanregeneration, it is vital that new development has to be sustainableand contribute to protecting and enhancing environmental assets.This is achieved through the provision of Green Infrastructure, whichforms a key element of the core spatial strategy. Green Infrastructureplaces environmental, social and economic enhancement at the heartof the planning process, providing natural life support systems forpeople. This concept is reflected in the North Northamptonshire CoreSpatial Strategy; which includes Green Infrastructure sub-regionaland local corridors as key factors of any development.Key factorsn Green living – Make it easy for people to live in an environmentallyfriendly way through high standards of design, promoting greenindustries and ensuring sustainable transport46 | STRATEGIC FRAMEWORK & DELIVERY PROGRAMMEn Environment - Ensure a step change in biodiversity managementand a net gain in Green Infrastructure; retaining and enhancinglandscape character and distinctiveness through the opportunity ofdevelopment and investmentn Network of settlements – maintain distinctive settlements, ensuringthe scale and location of growth is shaped by their role and character,and supports greater self sufficiency for the area as a wholen Connectivity and modal shift – increase transport choice to enhanceNorth Northamptonshire’s national, regional, sub-regional and localconnections through improvements to public transport and roadcorridorsn Infrastructure and services – Secure provision of infrastructure,services and facilities to enhance communities and supportdevelopment, including establishing priorities for future investmentand collaborationn Economy – Build a diverse, dynamic and self reliant economy inorder to reach it’s potentialFunding and DeliveryGrowth area funding from Central Government, grant schemes andfunding from local authorities, regional agencies and privatedevelopers. Delivery achieved through collaboration with public,private and third sector partners, Regulatory and Advisory bodies,NGO’s and the River Nene Regional Park, which identified bothsub-regional and local spatial areas for Green Infrastructure.Benefits and successesn An ongoing net gain in Green Infrastructure through the protection andenhancement of existing historical, cultural and environmental assetsn The creation of new multi functional areas that promote recreationand tourism, public access, green education, biodiversity, sustainableland management, improved water management, the protection andenhancement of the local landscape and climate change mitigationn Sub-regional Green Infrastructure corridors that connect areas ofgreen space, high ecological or other environmental interestAchieved through:n Not permitting development that would compromise the integrity ofthe overall Green Infrastructure networkn The use of developer contributions to facilitate improvements toGreen Infrastructure quality and robustnessn Investing in enhancement and restoration; and the creation of newresources where necessaryn Development contributing to the establishment, enhancement orongoing management of local corridors linked to the sub-regionalcorridorsn Prioritising investment in areas where net gains in the range offunctions can be improvedOutcomesA Green Infrastructure network has been developed which will servethe needs of both urban and rural communities, and strengthen thelinks between them. This “Green Framework” respects the characterand diversity of the landscape, the ecological and cultural heritage, aswell as promoting local distinctiveness in North Northamptonshire. TheRiver Nene Regional Park is the key mechanism for delivering GreenInfrastructure; through public and private stakeholders and investment.The Core Spatial Strategy has been through its Examination in Publicwith the Inspector declaring the Strategy, and the GreenInfrastructure policies within it to be sound. The Core Spatial Strategywas adopted in June 2008.Further ResourcesNorth Northamptonshire Core Spatial Strategy, June 2008Websitewww.nnjpu.org.uk | www.emgin.org | www.riverneneregionalpark.orgPrincipal contactsinfo@nnjpu.org.uk | RNRP@northamptonshire.gov.uk

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS© RNRP MIKE FINN-KELCEYThis guide has been produced with the support of the East Midlands Regional Assemblyand The Environment Agency to provide examples of best practice in the role and useof Green Infrastructure as an integral part of sustainable development.The following organisations support and endorse the production of this guide and its content.We would like to thank everyone for supplying their case studies for the guide.n Bolsover Countryside Partnershipn Borough Council of Wellingboroughn City of Lincoln Counciln Derby City Counciln Derbyshire County Counciln East Northamptonshire Counciln East Midlands Development Agencyn East Midlands Regional Assemblyn English Partnershipn Forestry Commissionn Groundworkn Leicester City Counciln Leicestershire County Counciln Lincolnshire County Counciln Mansfield District Counciln Natural Englandn North Kesteven District Counciln North Northamptonshire Development Companyn Northampton Borough Counciln Northamptonshire County Counciln Nottinghamshire County Counciln River Nene Regional Park CommunityInterest Companyn Rockingham Forest Trustn Sherwood Energy Villagen TEPn The Environment Agencyn The Lincolnshire Agricultural Societyn The National Forest Companyn The National Trustn The University of Northamptonn The Wildlife TrustsACKNOWLEDGEMENTS | 47

(EMGIN) East Midlands Green Infrastructure NetworkCopies of the guide are available in print by contacting www.emgin.orgDigital copies of the guide can be downloaded from the EMGIN websitePublished November 2008 | Design by perception-design.com