Green Space and Communities: A Life's Work (Morning Session)

Video: Incredible Edible Todmordon

http://youtu.be/ZGVgVgo-C30

Regenerating the post industrial
communities of North West
England
Professor John Handley

Green Space and Communities: a life’s work
Reconnecting people and place in hard times
Manchester Town Hall, Wednesday 31st October 2012

Green Space and Communities: a life’s
work
“…I’ve assumed that at least part of your narrative
will be about what happened in the North West
over a number of years and what that brings in
terms of learning and insight.”

Conference brief

The nature of landscape
“Landscape means an area, as perceived
by people, whose character is the result
of the action and interaction of natural
and/or human factors.”
European Landscape Convention, 2000

“Environment sustains us as creatures;
landscape displays us as cultures.”
Source: Meinig 1979

Three dimensions of landscape scale
Temporal future

present

past Spatial

national regional local

pristine

(agri)cultural
Modification
urbanic
Source: Selman, 2006

Contrasting Regional Perspectives

Heritage Landscapes

Coterill Clough, Manchester

Castle Rigg Stone Circle, Cumbria

Degraded Landscapes

Acornfield Plantation
– before & after

The Environmental Legacy
• Smoke & sulphur dioxide pollution
• Water pollution of rivers & aquifer drawdown
• Derelict & despoiled land

Dealing with the legacy
• Strategic plan for the North West, 1971
• Establishment of Government Office for the
North West, 1972
• Creation of Metropolitan Counties, 1974
• Response to the Toxteth riots, 1981

Toxteth Riots – the aftermath
The Scarman Report recognised that the
1981 riots (in Toxteth in Brixton) did reflect
social problems, such as poverty and
deprivation. Government responded by
sending Michael Heseltine as a “Minister
for Mersyside” to set up the Merseyside
Task Force and launch a series of initiatives
including Liverpool International Garden
Festival, The Mersey Basin Campaign and
Operation Groundwork.

The Mersey Basin Campaign
A strategic long-term programme to:

• Restore water quality
• Promote waterside regeneration
• Secure community engagement

A public private partnership underpinned by political commitment
and European legislation.

Rivers in the Mersey catchment:
a polluted and degraded resource

Source Manchester City Council

The Mersey Basin Campaign:
Medlock and Tame River Valley Initiative

Sustainability and The Mersey Basin Campaign
Environmental Sustainability (Water quality, biodiversity)

Private Sector Public Sector

Mersey
Source: Wood,
Basin Handley and
Campaign Kidd,1999

Economic
Social
Sustainability
Sustainability
(Landward regeneration)| (Community networks)
Voluntary Sector

“Operation Groundwork is
being launched as a national
experiment to regenerate
land blighted by industry and
town development. The first
project is around St. Helens
and Knowsley – others will
follow if it succeeds.”

Source: Groundwork Prospectus, 1981/2

The Groundwork Trust will:

• Co-ordinate capital programmes

• Carry out small scale projects itself

• Build a working partnership

“Operation Groundwork is
being launched at a time when
public and private resources
are scarce – indeed, the design
of the project stems from the
need to devise new ways of
achieving social and economic
objectives when money is tight.
The aim is to harness resources
which already exist in a local
community.”

Source: Groundwork Prospectus 1981/2

Groundwork North West
In July, 1982 Heseltine declares that this approach must now be
rolled out across North West England, with 5 more Groundwork
projects in the next wave:

• Macclesfield • Salford and Trafford
• Oldham and Rochdale • Wigan
• Rossendale

John Davidson establishes Groundwork North West

Rossendale Groundwork
“The Rossendale Groundwork Trust was
established to conserve and improve the
landscape and environment of Rossendale and
to promote the understanding and enjoyment of
the countryside.”

Rossendale Groundwork
Rossendale Groundwork projects:
• Mending dry stone walls
• Waymarking footpaths
• Farm open days and tree planting
• Training in countryside skills
• Trails, footpath and bridleway guides
• Conservation of natural features and older buildings
• Developments of farm tourism
• Countryside management schemes
• Land reclamation schemes

Community involvement is central to the
Groundwork approach
“Each Groundwork Trust is established with a clear objective to
bring about local environmental regeneration through a
partnership with the local community. Local ownership is an
essential asset of the Groundwork approach and individual
Trusts develop their own programmes based on local needs.”

Groundwork Foundation, 1992:
Groundwork Operating System

Capturing the benefits of community
involvement in neighbourhood renewal

“Measuring outcomes is the most
meaningful exercise if we are
interested in how far the goals of a
project have been achieved or how
long-lasting the difference will be.”

New Economics Foundation, 2000

The challenge of sustaining community
involvement in greening
Christine Bradley reviews community greening and concludes
that successful projects require a strategic approach:

• Key worker strategy
• Rules and rewards strategy
• Controlled access strategy

Christine Bradley 1986, Community Involvement in Greening, Groundwork Foundation

Community greening revisited
In 2009, Emma Hewitt reviews the role of
community green space projects in promoting
sustainable community cohesion.
Nine projects are reviewed against 10 indicators
of community cohesion.
Three types of project were included:

• Parks and gardens
• Community orchards and allotments
• Street and local area greening initiatives

All projects were in the operational phase.

Modes of engagement vs success of green
space projects in promoting cohesion
Source: Hewitt, 2009,
University of Manchester

Effect of typology and scale in achieving
community cohesion

Source: Hewitt, 2009, University of Manchester

The challenge of managing restored
landscapes
“At the outset of Operation
Groundwork reservations were
expressed that the new
landscapes created by land
reclamation would place a heavy
burden on the thinly spread
resources of local authorities.”

Groundwork Trust Annual Report, 1984/5

The Public Landscape System

Land

Labour Capital
Local
Landscape
Management Authority
Budget
System Income

Landscape
Public Landscape
Utilisation

Source: Handley and Bulmer, 1987

Making the most of greenspace
Maximise landscape benefits whilst minimising costs through:

• Encouraging a natural approach
• Promoting community involvement
• Introducing new sources of income
• Improving landscape efficiency

resonates with modern concepts such
as:
• Landscape Benefit
• Multi-functionality
• Green Infrastructure
• Ecosystem Services

Fiddler’s Ferry Power Station

Capital and
revenue costs
of reclaimed
derelict land

The Mersey & Red Rose Forests –
a strategic partnership in the Mersey Belt

Community Forestry provides a setting for
redevelopment for housing…

Courtesy of Richard Cass Associates

…and a multifunctional solution in its own
right (Mersey Community Forest)

Bold Moss : a large-scale demonstration
project by the Groundwork Trust

Working with people
before during

after

Frequency

0
5
10
15
20
2.0-2.5
2.6-3.0
3.1-3.5
3.6-4.0
4.1-4.5
4.6-5.0
meadow

5.1-5.5

pH range
5.6-6.0
6.1-6.5
6.6-7.0
7.1-7.5
7.6-8.0
8.1-8.5
wetland

Frequency
0
5
10
15
20

2.0-2.5
2.6-3.0
3.1-3.5
3.6-4.0
4.1-4.5
4.6-5.0
5.1-5.5
heathland

pH range

5.6-6.0
6.1-6.5
6.6-7.0
7.1-7.5
7.6-8.0
8.1-8.5
nature
Working with

An ecological approach to land restoration:

• works with the grain of natural recovery
• regards physico-chemical variability as a positive asset – a
template for biodiversity
• recognises that humankind is ‘within nature as part of the
natural eco-system’
• promotes meaningful social engagement through effective
community involvement
• seeks to achieve long-term sustainability of the restored
landscape

Testing the Ecological Approach
To examine the effectiveness of an ecological
approach (within Groundwork’s Changing Places
Programme) through evaluating:

i. The effectiveness of community participation;
ii. The extent to which natural processes are
involved;
iii. The long-term sustainability of the restored
landscape.

Key lessons for building sustainable
landscapes
• Maintaining community involvement beyond
short-term project implementation;
• Developing a long-term ecological vision;
• Devising a land management mechanism with
an income stream.

Source: Groundwork and University of
Manchester Ecoregen project team, 2002

Land Management Model
Non-market benefits Revenue

Landscape Benefit

Tangible
Source: product
Endowment Covenanted
Groundwork funding Greenspace
and University of
Manchester, 2002
Management intensity

Blue-print for a National Land
Restoration Trust
“English Partnerships,
Groundwork, the Forestry
Commission and the Environment
Agency will create the Land
Restoration Trust to restore and
manage brownfield land that is
suitable only for use as public
green space. The Trust will work in
partnership with local
communities.”
Source: ODPM, 2003, Planning for sustainable communities

The Land Trust
Ten years on The Land Trust is now an established charity with in
excess of £50 million endowed funding and a substantial estate,
including the restored Liverpool Festival Gardens.

The virtuous circle underlying landscape condition
• Investment in land care
• Vibrant economy and customs
• Adding to or sustaining built,
natural and social capital

Landscape Quality Virtuous Circle Quality Of Life

• Enhancing personal well-being
• Landscape character ’valorised’
• Land-care efforts sustain
population base, social
Source: structures and traditions
Selman, 2006

Conclusion
“The choice then is not between old
and new but between good landscape
and bad. But it is a choice, and even
though it is sad that the old must go
(as it always has been), the true
tragedy is not that the old must go but
that the new should be bad.”

Nan Fairbrother (1970) ‘New Lives, New Landscapes’

Acknowledgements
Many thanks to Richard Sharland for
inspirational discussions and to Jayne Mann of
Groundwork MSSTT for invaluable help with this
presentation.

More GREEN and BLUE
than BLACK

'Hints on Breathing
Places for the
Metropolis and
country towns and
villages ' (1829)

J.C. Loudon

“the destruction of
forests leads to
violent
alternations of
temperature and
an increase of
floods”

“The presence of
trees, besides
being pleasant to
the eye, and
refreshing to tired
workers, will
improve the
general health of
Midland Re-afforesting Association
circa 1912

BLACK COUNTRY FIRSTS
• The Endless Village, 1978
• First Urban Wildlife Group, 1979
• First nature conservation strategy, 1981
• Black Country Urban Forest, 1990
• Urban Nature Improvement Area (NIA) 2012

FUTURE CHALLENGES

• Responding to climate change
• Improving health & wellbeing

Climate change
and modern living
put the environment
- and people -
under much more stress

Business as usual
will not be enough

GROUNDWORK
• Impressive
track record
• Exceptional
alumni

Creating a New Vision for The Valleys
‘Maximising the social and economic potential
of the natural and cultural heritage’
David Llewellyn
Valleys Regional Park

www.thevalleys.org.uk 31st October 2012, Manchester

PAST
How did we get here? Personal reflections
PRESENT
Where are we? The Challenges
FUTURE
The vision: how are we going to get there? (Re-) Connnection 2012, Manchester
st
31 October

The Valleys

1913 - Peak of production and manpower
57 million tonnes of coal produced - >30% of the world’s coal exports
232,800 men employed - >200 deep mines
31st October 2012, Manchester

The Valleys: Changing Landscapes

Cwmtillery 1972



Cwmtillery 1962



Cwmtillery 2012



Cwmtillery 2012
Cwmtillery 2012



Cwm Darran, 1972



Cwm Darran, 2012



Blaenrhondda, 1947



Blaenrhondda, 2012


Aberfan
Friday October 21st 1966
144 people killed - 116 children


Rhondda Valleys Development Plan, 1968
1960-1966: 40 ha (4 schemes)
1976-1987: 3618 ha
Davies CS, Environmental Management (1988) 12, 479-490 31st October 2012, Manchester


1985-91: Large scale closures of deep mines in south Wales
1994: Closure of Tower Colliery, the last deep-mine in south Wales



Continue reclamation of derelict land: Working with Nature
• Landscape strategies Working with People
• Countryside Strategies Conserving local identity
• Objective 1 EU funding (2000-2006) Commitment to design & innovation

1997 - Partnership between CCW, EAW, WDA, FCW, WTB and local authorities
Groundwork Wales co-ordination


Taf Bargoed Valley

Commended


The Valleys: the Legacies and Challenges

1913 - Peak of production and manpower:
57 million tonnes of coal produced - > 30% of the world’s coal exports
232,800 men employed – > 200 deep mines


“A 13 mile journey between Abertillery and Abergavenny should not
mean a potential life expectancy difference of four years”
Dr. Tony Jewell – former Chief Medical Officer for Wales BMJ 2008; 337: a2805


50000
40000
30000
20000
10000
0
1881 1921 1961 2001
2011
• high levels of economic inactivity/low quality of jobs and opportunities
• low educational attainment and skills levels
• high incidence of long-term health problems
• declining population (demographic change)
• an unfavourable image
• poorly equipped town centres and a lack of quality housing
• limited transport and poor telecommunications in some areas


The Valleys: (Re) Connecting People and Place


The Valleys: A Future Vision?

1934 Special Areas Act – South Wales Valleys

“Nothing is more important than the problems of the Region
should be fully understood by its own people...out of
which, let us hope... action will come.”
South Wales needs a plan (1935)
HA Marquand
Professor of Industrial Relations Lloyd and Jackson 1949
University College, Cardiff



Valleys Regional Parks Proposal

• 4 areas suggested
• “....should have good pathway systems, with
adequately planned bus stations, car parks, shelters and
Lloyd and Jackson 1949 restaurants.”
• Shared funding approach st
31 October 2012, Manchester


Parc Rhanbarthol y Cymoedd

• Change the image and perception of the Valleys
• Generate jobs and business based on the environment, culture and
sustainable tourism
• Create an environment that stimulates enterprise and investment
• Increase training opportunities and help improve education
standards
• Improve the quality of life and health for valleys’ citizens
• Develop strong, cohesive communities


Framework 2005-2007
> 500 consultees > 30 organisations
Partnership Action Plan


WECAN VRP KESS
£22M



Themes Objectives
Transformational Landscapes for Visitors Strategic landscape initiatives
Enhancing our visitor centres Country parks, nature reserves
Loops and Links Cycling, walking, riding - access
Community Pride Total Focus Clean, pleasant environment
Community Tourism Grassroots tourism
Training the ambassadors (ESF) Trained Advocates
Events Programme Additional attractions
Management and project delivery
TOTAL £22 M

44 infrastructure projects funded - 40 interpretation projects*
Economic Analysis by WERU/Cardiff Business School
ERDF E4G convergence funding 2009-2013

The Valleys: (Re) Connecting People and Place
The Future: (Re-)Connection/Connectivity
Strategic planning – local delivery (communities at the heart)
Opportunities and challenges
• Sustainable tourism
• Local food production – how do we scale up?
• Housing – affordable high-quality social housing and environment
• Vibrant town centres with sustainable transport and connected countryside
• Green Spaces used for health
• Energy production
• Climate change – uplands

More robust evidence base
• Health – KESS

Communication – language

The Valleys: A Future Vision - Prosperous Communities

Sustainable Tourism

• Community Tourism Ambassadors
• Guardians



Green Jobs and Skills


Local Energy production

The Valleys: A Future Vision - Healthier Communities

CAERAU MARKET GARDEN

• Groundwork Bridgend &
Neath Port Talbot
• Caerau Development Trust
• Valleys 2 Coast Housing
• Bridgend CBC
• Federation of City Farms and
Gardens
SUDS; Skills development; Multiagency; Sustainable through revenue generation;First Caerau
• Communities Fit
with valley Eco-connectivity; schools involvement; Evaluate community engagement;
• Valleys Regional Park WECAN
Increased biodiversity. st
31 October 2012, Manchester

The Valleys: A Future Vision - Improved housing and environment

LLYNFI VALLEY
Valleys 2 Coast Housing
Steve Curry
Ekostaden Augustenborg, Malmö

Environmental improvements have transformed
Augustenborg from a neighbourhood in decline to an
exemplar of an environmentally adapted urban area - an
attractive place to live and work

The Valleys: A Future Vision - Healthier Communities

Translating Exercise-Derived Health Benefits
From The Laboratory To The Community
Jane Thompson, Paul Hewlett, Barry MacDonnell, Richard Webb
Regular participation in a green-exercise
programme is beneficial in improving systemic
health.

• Mental wellbeing was improved
• CVD risk was reduced via reductions in both
arterial stiffness and total blood cholesterol
levels
•www.physicalactivityandnutritionwales.org.uk
Expression of genes (CD36 and ABCA1)
Metformin costconversion £60.5 million
involved in the to NHS - of LDL (bad-) to
HDL (good-cholesterol)


The Valleys: A Future Vision - Developing new opportunities

Working together for
1) Assess the economic and social potential Economically-prosperous
2) Improve corporate engagement Communities through
3) Evaluate Visitor Payback
4) Stimulate the Social Economy
Assets of
(Community Engagement/Enterprise) Natural heritage


The Valleys: A Future Vision - Developing new opportunities

Green Infrastructure Valuation Toolkit Blue Green Gym
Corporate/Community partnerships

A framework for assessing the
potential economic and wider returns
from investment in natural assets and
landscape improvements
Natural Economy Northwest
free open source resource
www.bit.ly/givaluationtoolkit http://vimeo.com/46889168
Quantitative:
Rural Proofing/Welsh values (CCW/FCW)
Qualitative:
Community evaluation (resource planning)*
VRP PILOTS
SUDS – Market Garden
Native Tree Nursery

The Valleys: A Future Vision

Regional Green Infrastructure Plan

City Region(s)

Connectivity 31st October 2012, Manchester

“To be truly radical is to make
hope possible, rather than despair
convincing.” Raymond Williams

Diolch yn fawr iawn am eich sylw - Thanks very much for your attention

www.thevalleys.org.uk
TWITTER - @VRPvalleys 31st October 2012, Manchester

Video: Stroud Woodland Cooperative

http://youtu.be/PyIGXbVRUjA

Green Space and Communities: A Life's Work (Morning Session)

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