CAST COP26 public consultation report

PROTECTING
COMMUNITIES:
SPACE TO BREATHE
‘A growing body of evidence points to the positive impacts of nature for people.’[7] ‘Metro
nature’ - trees, parks and natural spaces, all enhance the quality of life in cities and towns.
[8] Spending time in green spaces can reduce feelings of stress, help residents to become
more active, reduce loneliness and help people connect to their community.[9]
South Tyneside is ranked 37th most deprived area in England[10] and although there is
disparity in the levels of privation across the borough, life expectancy in South Tyneside is
below the national average – 81.5 for women and 77.5 for men[11] (the UK national average
is 82.9 for females and 79 for males respectively[12]). With this in mind, we call for the
urgent development of ‘space to breathe’.
Proposal: living spaces
Nature plays a crucial role in creating the vital neighbourhood spaces we need for healthy
citizens and therefore we propose:
working with Climate Action North to rewild derelict land and establish 'pollinator parks'
such as the scheme at the Business Innovation Centre in Sunderland
generating ideas for the overhaul of our existing natural spaces, such as Temple Park, to
enable local people to make more effective use of the space - not just somewhere to
walk the dog
reestablishment of community gardens and allotments
working with organisations such as Playing Out to create safe urban spaces where
children can play
STC MUST ensure:
air quality monitoring at schools and the surrounding areas
an immediate halt to the use of leaf-blowers to safeguard insect populations
the expansion of the 'no mow zone' initiative
a move to herbicide-free weedkillers
a more ambitious tree planting policy – the current target of 3000 per year doesn’t
make clear whether these are in addition to those planted to replace those cut down.
greater priority to identifying areas for woodland creation – not only increasing natural
carbon capture but also supporting good mental health. Government grants are
available to fund the planting of trees in urban areas
mature trees take high priority when considering planning applications
new buildings are not constructed on flood plains
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