Local Community Involvement Crucial for Urban Green Space Management

Research from the University of Exeter highlights the importance of local community involvement in managing urban green spaces as a strategy to address the biodiversity crisis. The study, published on November 19, 2025, suggests that when local governments engage residents in understanding their values and needs regarding green areas, it can enhance biodiversity while improving community well-being.

Local councils, particularly in the UK, are increasingly pressured to expand publicly accessible green spaces within urban environments. These initiatives are critical not only for boosting biodiversity but also for mitigating flooding, promoting public health, and creating economic opportunities. The findings from the study indicate that effective stewardship of these areas can lead to significant environmental and social benefits.

Collaborative Stewardship for Effective Management

The research emphasizes that collaboration between local governments and communities is essential for successful urban green space management. According to Fay Kahane from the University of Exeter, “To achieve effective stewardship, it’s critical local governments plan collaboratively with communities.” The study points out that stewardship should reflect local values, whether that entails well-maintained flower beds or wilder, biodiverse spaces.

Kahane also noted that local communities often present opportunities for “easy wins,” particularly in areas with existing gardening groups. In contrast, neighborhoods facing economic challenges may require targeted financial investments. The involvement of council-funded specialists, including ecologists and community facilitators, is crucial to ensure that diverse local perspectives are considered in creating appealing and biodiverse green spaces.

Conditions for Successful Urban Green Spaces

Key conditions influencing successful stewardship were identified in the study, including:

– **Neighborhood capacity**: This encompasses deprivation levels and the presence of volunteer gardening initiatives.
– **Landscape quality**: Features such as mature trees, heritage elements, and scenic views contribute to the overall appeal.
– **Resident/government relations**: The dynamics between community members and local authorities, especially in areas with historical tensions, play a significant role.
– **Sense of place**: The emotional connections people develop with their local green spaces can enhance community engagement.
– **Financial input**: The costs associated with enhancing green spaces are also a vital consideration.

The research suggests that changing attitudes toward urban nature—particularly the contrast between “tidy” and “messy” environments—can positively impact biodiversity. Providing visible “cues to care,” such as regularly mowed paths alongside areas of longer grass, can help restore biodiversity while fostering a sense of community pride.

The significance of community involvement was echoed by Loic Rich, a cabinet member responsible for Environment and Climate Change at Cornwall Council. He stated, “Green spaces thrive when they reflect the needs and values of the communities who use them.” Rich emphasized that investing in long-term stewardship and working closely with residents can create resilient spaces that benefit both nature and community well-being.

The research, conducted across 25 publicly accessible green spaces in nine towns in Cornwall, utilized a rigorous methodology known as Qualitative Comparative Analysis (QCA). This approach combined on-site interviews, online research, and biodiversity assessments to evaluate each space on various factors, including management, community involvement, inclusivity, and ecological gains.

Community members have also taken proactive steps to enhance local green spaces. Karen Hall, who initiated volunteer gardening sessions at the Beacon site in Falmouth, shared her experience. “Funding for open space management is often limited, and I wanted to ensure this magnificent space and the valuable plants in it were kept managed,” she said. Hall noted that her efforts not only preserved the plants but also fostered connections among community members, enhancing the area’s overall appeal and ecological diversity.

The study presents a comprehensive roadmap for local governments aiming to future-proof urban green space planning. By prioritizing ongoing investment, community involvement, and sensitivity to local contexts, councils can effectively address the pressing biodiversity challenges facing urban areas today.

For further details, refer to the study titled “Enabling effective urban green space stewardship through planning: a Qualitative Comparative Analysis in Southwest England,” published in the journal People and Nature.