The population of London is expected to grow from 8.96 million in 2021 to 9.4 million in 2030 [1] and to 11 million by 2050 [2]. As it grows, the Greater London Authority (GLA) is committed to making London a greener city by increasing Urban Green Ratio.

In addition to the growth in population, London is experiencing a rapid increase in the number of tall buildings. The New London Architecture’s annual review of skyscrapers over 20 storeys or more states that there are 587 tall buildings in the pipeline in London – with 310 granted full planning permission and 127 under consideration. [3]

“City of London skyscrapers” by futureshape is licensed under CC BY 2.0

The tall buildings will be accompanied by an increase in the number of smaller buildings.

In the last two decades, the GLA has taken a number of steps to protect the green spaces in London. The London Plan has set out policies to protect the green spaces in London.

The GLA set out the primary planning goals for the Central Activities Zone as to: (a) increase green space; (b) improve air quality; (c) reduce the UHI effect (heat island) and (d) prevent flash floods, with climate change adaptation and mitigation seen as a cross cutting issue. [4]

These goals are united in conserving, generating and enhancing green spaces in London.

The GLA has estimated that the green spaces in London will need to increase by a minimum of one million square metres by 2050.

The Mayor’s London Plan in which two goals relate to urban green space and aim at addressing vegetation loss, overheating and flooding. To address the former it was envisioned to plant 2 million trees and to increase green space by 5 % by 2030 and another 5 % by 2050 (2011a), with the street tree programme especially targeting areas known to experience overheating. It also has a Living Roofs and Walls scheme focused on creating green roofs and recreational living roofs and green walls to help London adapt to the risks of climate change such as flooding, overheating, drought; and reducing the urban heat island effect in the city (GLA, 2008). [5]

Solutions

To increase urban green ratio in London, there is a need to develop innovative solutions. One of the solutions is to use green infrastructure in cities. It is the network of green spaces, rivers and wetlands, as well as features in urban spaces such as street trees and green roofs, that provide the natural environment for wildlife and people.

Green infrastructure can help to alleviate the effects of climate change. It can also help to increase biodiversity and enhance the quality of life of London residents.

One key example of green infrastructure (and blue links) is the Thames Estuary, which is the largest wetland in the UK. It is home to a wide range of wildlife, including the famous Bewick’s swans.

“Bewick’s swan” by Marie Hale is licensed under CC BY 2.0

In the past, the Thames Estuary was very polluted by sewage and industrial waste. But in the 1970s, the government decided to clean up the Thames Estuary. They spent a lot of money on the clean-up. Nature based solutions can offer enhanced green spaces which also function as ways of tackling pollution, the urban heat island effect, and help with drainage.

There is a growing awareness and evidence base for the multiple benefits of green infrastructure in addition to the habitat it inherently provides to wildlife, including wellbeing of London residents and its role to alleviate the affects of climate change.

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The need for Natural Landscapes and accessible public green space.

The need for Landscapes for human well being is increasing  This includes the need for Natural landscapes for good mental health and wellbeing. Especially following events such as the pandemic Covid 19 and during wars. Historically humans have needed green space and natural landscapes such as National Parks as a place of reprieve and respite. Urban and rural open spaces are vital for the smooth functionning of modern day society. Natural Landscapes can be truly beneficial to us as individuals or in groups. They are a vital highly valued finite resource for use by the larger community. By protecting and enhancing natural landscapes, we can provide a powerful and largely free antidote to busy everyday life. The need for Landscapes for human well being

We aim to design, create and manage beautiful landscapes. By making high quality green space accessible to all, we reduce pressure on important services such as public health and social services, leaving spending for those who really need it. The need for Natural Landscapes for good mental health & wellbeing is now recognised by research.

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By conserving and enhancing the quality of natural landscapes, we can restore our sense of calm and well being. Accessibility is vital, as we all benefit from a connection to nature.

This need for tranquility and calm is reflected in the demand for access to natural landscapes, National Parks such as South Downs National Park, Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONBs) such as the High Weald AONB, as well as other more remote landscapes.

Organisations such as the National Trust promote accessibility to green spaces in their rural estates, variety of gardens, historic parkland and important coastline landscapes. Wildlife Trusts such as Sussex Wildlife Trust manage wildlife reserves for the benefit of biodiversity, and these sensitively managed spaces are important natural landscapes.

The need for Landscapes for human well being,  why are natural landscapes important?

As a species, humans originally evolved as hunter gatherers. This transitioned to farmers as hunter-gatherer bands began to settle. There is a growing body of evidence that suggests not only do we need the land for survival, in terms of resources such as food, but, in fact that landscapes are also vital in promoting our physical and mental health. That the need for Natural Landscapes for good mental health & wellbeing is increasing.

Research has shown that we can all benefit greatly by increasing access to natural landscapes and green spaces, connecting to nature in our local neighbourhoods.

How can Landscapes help us?

Health and Landscapes

It is now widely understood that there is a strong link between our health and the landscapes around us so it is proven that the need for Landscapes for human well being is there. By increasing access to natural landscapes and green spaces, and connecting with nature in our everyday lives, we can all benefit greatly in terms of our physical and mental health.

Increase in activity:

It is widely known that when we are outdoors, we are more active. Activity and exercise are very important in maintaining overall health. Physically, many health problems can be linked to inactivity and obesity. Some examples spring to mind immediately such as stroke, heart disease or cancer. Other examples may be less obvious. Conditions influenced by inactivity present with an entire range of co-morbid health problems, with links to greater risk of poor health outcomes.

By increasing the quality, accessibility, the size and number of landscapes aswell as green links via green infrastructure we can help society to be more healthy. By encouraging public use of these natural landscapes, we can therefore encourage healthier lifestyles overall. The prevention of poor outcomes and long term disease is something that can be directly influenced by this knowledge of how to manage and optimise use of landscapes. This knowledge, through sensitive landscape design and management, will lead to far better outcomes for whole communities and a fitter and healthier population, and helping prove the need for Landscapes for human well being. Use of local green space, (and staycations) may also help to reduce carbon footprints aiding the slow down of climate change.

Improving mental health:

There is now a wealth of evidence to suggest that time spent in natural landscapes can have a profound effect on our mental health. In a fast–paced, technology driven world, it is more important than ever that we take time to disconnect from our screens and reconnect with nature. By doing so, we can improve our concentration and productivity, reduce stress and anxiety, and increase our sense of well–being.

Reducing stress and anxiety:

The need for fresh air and Natural Landscapes for good mental health & wellbeing has been demonstrated during pandemics such as Covid 19 (2020-2022 onwards). Not only does activity in our local green spaces and wider landscapes reduce stress and anxiety through the production of endorphins, but there is a growing body of research that suggest just being outside in natural landscapes really does help to make us happier and healthier. It’s a win win situation for all and the need to protect these landscapes has never been more urgent.

Technology detox:

In our fast–paced, technology driven world, it is more important than ever that we take time to disconnect from our screens and reconnect with nature. By doing so, we can improve our concentration and productivity, reduce stress and anxiety, and increase our sense of well–being. We all know how good it feels to spend time in nature, but sometimes it can be hard to find the time, or we may not have access to green spaces where we live. However, there are ways to bring nature into our everyday lives, even if we live in an urban environment. By making small changes to our daily routine, we can reap the benefits of time spent in nature, even if we only have a few minutes to spare.

The importance of viewing natural beauty:

The need for Natural Landscapes for good mental health & wellbeing has been proven. That by simply looking at scenes of natural beauty, this can have a positive impact on our mental health. Studies have shown that looking at nature can reduce stress, anxiety and depression, and improve our mood and sense of well–being. So, next time you are feeling stressed, anxious or down, take a few minutes to step outside and look at the natural world around you. Even if you live in an urban environment, you can find beauty in the simplest of things, such as seasonal leaf clour of a tree nearby, blossom, or areas of grassland, especially if there are flowering wildflowers and grasses included in the landscape.

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Increased frequency of storm events, higher rainfall due to jet stream, effects of climate change, increased development and recreation pressures, all require habitat design that is sensitive to the demands placed on the landscape. These “eco system services” are what the landscape offers us in return for our use of it.

In order to be able to use ecosystem services effectively, habitat design and landscape management, will help to replenish landscapes which have become fragmented due to the pressures placed on them. Spaces will become more coherent and resilient to change. Landscapes which have been designed and managed to compensate for development effects, cannot be overestimated. Landvision specialise in this type of habitat design. We design and manage landscapes which are robust enough for future generations to enjoy.

The value of habitat design is considerable. Good design with a sound ecological basis lies at the heart of mitigation design, in environmental statements and in landscape planning. It allows development to take place without any net loss of biodiversity. The most desirable outcome is a positive increase in biodiversity, where space allows for the creation of interlinking of wild areas and appropriate management to enhance ecology in the long term.

BS;42020; Mitigation and habitat design.

Developments placed in inappropriate locations can be mitigated for, but this does require considerable amounts of landscape design input and investment. Without habitat design, to renew and to manage landscapes in a long term sustainable way.

To be effective, an understanding of the ecology of sites which are to be developed, is used in habitat design. The scale of the impact of each development is examined. The mitigation is drawn up to mitigate this impact on the ecology and landscape. Sound ecology knowledge is used by Landvision, to determine levels of impact and the appropriate levels of mitigation on a site by site basis.

If there is no investment then, eco system crash- for instance, landslides, soil erosion, flooding and water pollution are consequences which will have a  negative effect on lives and landscapes. So, this BS 42020; Biodiversity – Code of Practice planning and development and allied work, is vital to the ecology of landscapes and to saving time and money for the communities which depend on and live in them.

Building more resilient landscapes for communities.

Landvision use habitat design to move towards sustainability. To set aside areas, to produce less fragmented landscapes, which will thus be ecologically more stable in the long term. This is because, in order to be more resilient to change, our landscapes require sensitive design based on a site’s ecology, suited to the landscape and to the communities who live there.

Habitats require sound landscape management, to sustain the resilience of the landscape ecology and its protected species. For instance, pond creation is invaluable in enhancing site ecology. Ponds attract a wide variety of wildlife and have landscape and health benefits- introducing water, tranquillity and an enhanced feeling of well being for residents, providing recreational opportunities.

Maintenance and management of landscapes.

Habitats, such as ponds, also require regular maintenance in order to maintain their ecology and to keep them healthy. For more information on how Landvision can help you to offset your biodiversity losses, by habitat and landscape design and specific landscape management, call; 01892 782200 now, or go to the Landvision Contact page

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Working within the confines of a specific development scheme, landscape architects can be limited in their scope of operation. However, Landvision landscape architects know that through a strong understanding of ecology, the prognosis of their final schemes will be better. They will be working together to produce pragmatic solutions for improving the environment and biodiversity.

Habitat design, Ecological landscape design and landscape management mitigation for South East England in East Sussex.

Landvision habitat design and landscape management in East Sussex aims to redress species loss and biodiversity and habitat loss. Designing habitats to offset the effects of development, Landvision landscape architects, draw on their strong ecological background. They undertake habitat designs which are often specific to a protected species or special habitat. Landvision’s landscape management on each site seeks to offset any biodiversity loss, whether of habitat or of a particular species due to development.

What is Biodiversity Offsetting?

Biodiversity Offsetting can be partly achieved through landscape design with a strong ecological bias, which seeks to deliver biodiversity benefits on one site, to compensate for any loss of biodiversity on another site.

Case studies.

For example, Landvision have recently designed ecological habitats through landscape plans, habitat creation and landscape management work. Landscape management and landscape design plans with a strong ecological bias, have been recently created for new residential and commercial developments, including mining. So, for example, landscapes have been restored after mining activity; the habitats created will include heathland, woodland and grassland adjoining wetland. The species present on site are safeguarded and encouraged using specific landscape management drawn up for their protection in the landscape management plan.

Habitat plans by Landvision are also frequently drawn up as part of the ecology recommendations and landscape design remit.

Woodland management is specified in Woodland Management Plans; in order to maximize biodiversity gains.

If these plans are carried out then biodiversity gains will be made and the developments will have been truly sustainable. Landscape conditions and section 106 agreements will have been discharged successfully.

Breeam ecology, plus habitat designs and landscape design of mitigation schemes.

Breeam ecology reports by Landvision and management plans are a vital part of biodiversity offsetting by developers. Mitigation design; habitats specific to certain protected species. Their management is an ecological and landscape specialism which Landvision offers to clients such as builders, developers, local authorities and private estates managers in the south east. Landscape plans and garden design by Landvision can also incorporate habitat creation through tree and wildflower grassland creation and landscape management for ecology.

Conservation credits.

Credits for conservation can be bought by the developer, improving other sites in a way that achieves a biodiversity gain elsewhere. These conservation credits are useful where it is recognized that a site may have only limited chances for biodiversity offsetting due perhaps to its size, or the density of a proposed development on a restricted site this is  where ecological landscape design can help .

Climate change and Biodiversity offsetting.

It is important to use landscape architects like Landvision, who have a deep ecological understanding. Habitat design and landscape management work can help to combat the side effects of agricultural intensification and development. The latter have led to some of the most dramatic loss of habitats since the 1960s. As population distribution patterns change, with economic migration; movement of the jet stream and other global factors such as changing wind patterns and changing ocean currents, habitat landscape design and ecology are vital fields.

Recent research shows that the geographic ranges of plants and animals could be reduced by climate change. A study, in Nature on Climatic Change, has found that more than half of plants and more than a third of animals could lose half of their climatic range by 2080 if the current greenhouse emissions are not reduced. The role of Landvision and its landscape architects, with a strong ecological design ethos has never been more important than it is now; to stem the loss of our common species.

Effective ecological design, biodiversity offsetting and habitat mitigation projects in East Sussex, are now even more important. In Making Space for Nature, John Lawton indicates that we need to place design of landscapes within the wider ecology that they are connected to and thus, within a wider landscape context. Landvision landscape design and landscape management, link green space and ecology, so that habitats are less isolated and species are less threatened. This is done through creating a network of ecologically stable areas.

Retaining biodiversity.

The economic value of biodiversity services has recently been placed on the political agenda too. This work does require continuing commitment to environment and investment in the creation and management of natural habitats in East Sussex. Nature has a cost, but ignoring nature has a greater price. Flooding and other climate change effects such as landslides, soil erosion, pollution of water courses, low agricultural yields, and increasing storm events’ frequencies are all prices which we may have to pay if we ignore the needs to safeguard our landscapes, our biodiversity and to slow down climate change. For more details on Landvision landscape ecology, landscape design and landscape management, with specialist habitat design and landscape management in East Sussex, go to contact page and ring our landscape architects now on 01892 782200.

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Green infrastructure is a term used to bring all the green assets of  village, town and city together and use this data as a planning tool.  Green infrastructure includes trees,  parks, hedges, grassland, woodland and  road verges. There is more about green infrastructure here on the Landvision Blog

Green infrastructure is defined as interconnecting nature areas, parks and open spaces, recreation grounds, Specimen urban trees, tree lined sitting areas, green squares; also rivers and lakes.

These are the basic components of landscape planning policy using GI as a tool;

• Overall Vision; strategy based on a landscape scale, locality, community.
• Landscape character – understanding, creating and protecting, Sense of Place.
• Site assessment of soils, hydrology, species, habitats.
• Recording and GIS; SWOT analysis.
• Long term management, building Sustainability, resilient landscapes.
• Design & Implementation.
• Management and after care maintenance of scheme.

• Delivering, managing and maintaining GI assets. Also, develop a joint approach towards GI for Councils preparing Local Development Framework (LDF) documents.

Advantages of Landscape planning Green Infrastructure (GI)

• Reconnection with nature.
• Encouraging wildlife – safeguarding habitat (See our native hedges blog) and creating new habitats.
• Micro climate benefits – improves living conditions in cities.
• Carbon capture slows climate change.
•  Flood prevention and slowing water run off flow rates increases safety.

• Health and well being – (see link to research showing positive benefits of GI in cities.)

• Food production- orchards and allotments, community gardens,
• Recreation – formal and informal uses of green space and countryside.
• Green Space and Biodiversity – protecting vulnerable species (see our Butterfly ecology and wildlife ponds)
  

  Green Infrastructure – Integration of resilient landscape planning

• Combating climate change through Green Infrastructure (GI.)
• Each green space created or managed effectively will help to contribute to GI and combating Climate change. Carbon capture schemes; lowering temperatures through GI.
• Shared vision in landscape planning across boundaries.

Best use of landscape – Character and beauty, multi functional spaces that are resilient.

Landscape planning of Green Spaces; brings positive health benefits

• Research shows that Green Space is positively linked to increased health and well being.”Development of green space should be allocated a more central position in spatial planning policy.”
• “The percentage of green space inside a one kilometer and a three kilometer radius had a significant relation to perceived general health.
• The relation was generally present at all degrees of urbanity.
• The overall relation is somewhat stronger for lower socio economic groups.
• Elderly, youth, and secondary educated people in large cities seem to benefit more from presence of green areas in their living environment than other groups in large cities.
• Research shows that the percentage of green space in people’s living environment has a positive association with the perceived general health of residents.
• Green space seems to be more than just a luxury.
• Development of green space should be allocated a more central position in GI is an integrated way of bringing development of green space into landscape planning and into more peoples’ lives. Long lasting benefits of GI will be evident for generations. To find out more about how we can help you by landscape planning in GI, landvision.co.uk or click on Contact Us page; spatial planning policy.”

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