Green infrastructure

[edit] Introduction

Green infrastructure is defined as, ‘...a network comprising the broadest range of high quality green spaces and other environmental features ...it needs to be delivered at all spatial scales from sub-regional to local neighbourhood level.’ (ref Natural England, 2009)

Green infrastructure can include:

• Parks.
• Playing fields.
• Woodlands.
• Village greens.
• Residential gardens.
• Woodlands.
• Trees along roads.
• Allotments.
• River systems and coastal environments (which can also be known as 'blue infrastructure').

In the rural environment, green infrastructure is considered to be the larger landscape features, such as; river corridors, flood meadows, wide green corridors and ecological networks (ref Natural England, 2009).

NB Planning practice guidance defines green infrastructure as:

'...a network of multifunctional green space, urban and rural, which is capable of delivering a wide range of environmental and quality of life benefits for local communities. Green infrastructure is not simply an alternative description for conventional open space. As a network it includes parks, open spaces, playing fields, woodlands, but also street trees, allotments and private gardens. It can also include streams, canals and other water bodies and features such as green roofs and walls.'

[edit] Benefits of green infrastructure

If green infrastructure is well planned, with a shared understanding of the aims between developers, planners and ecologists, then wide-ranging benefits can be delivered, including:

• Reduced flood risk.
• Increased property and land values.
• Safeguarding and enhancing natural and historic assets.
• Reversal of habitat fragmentation.
• An increase in biodiversity to restore functioning ecosystems and provide the basis for sustainable development.
• Enhanced landscape character.
• A focus for health and well-being, education and training.
• Reduced pollution.

[edit] Planning

All development proposals should consider opportunities to enhance biodiversity and contribute to habitat connectivity in the wider area. The National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) places an emphasis on sustainable development which includes net gains for nature, and a key principle for planning is the conservation and enhancement of the natural environment and a reduction in pollution.

[edit] Green Infrastructure Partnership

The Green Infrastructure Partnership was established in 2011 following publication of the government’s Natural Environment White Paper. It supports the development of green infrastructure by helping identify and improve green infrastructure’s benefits as an ecological network for health, well-being and climate change buffering. Regular newsletters are published by the partnership summarising the latest news, policy and other developments related to green infrastructure.

[edit] Find out more

[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki.

• Areas of outstanding natural beauty.
• Biodiversity.
• Biophilia.
• Brownfield land.
• Compact sustainable city.
• Designated sites.
• Energy infrastructure.
• Forests.
• Greenbelt.
• Green roof.
• Green walls.
• How green infrastructure is helping to control urban floods.
• Infrastructure.
• Infrastructure Transformation.
• National nature reserves.
• National Planning Policy Framework.
• National Parks.
• National Trust.
• Natural England.
• Pavegen.
• Protected species.
• Sites of special scientific interest.
• The future of green infrastructure.

[edit] External references

• Building a Green Infrastructure for Europe.
• Green Infrastructure Partnership.
• Natural England Green Infrastructure Guidance.
• Natural Environment White Paper.
• National Planning Policy Framework.