Natural England

The West of England Partnership and Natural England launch a new Green Infrastructure planning website. The site, www.greeninfrastructurewest.org was formally launched at a seminar at Bristol’s harbour side

The website has been funded by The Department for Communities and Local Government and Natural England, and developed by the Avon Wildlife Trust and the Forest of Avon. It contains an online interactive map of existing Green Infrastructure in the West of England. This can include urban and country parks, formal gardens, rivers and canals, cycle routes, rights of way, woodland, heath and even wasteland. Planners, developers and members of the public can go to the website to identify opportunities for the enhancement and creation of a network of green spaces across the local community.

Simon Birch, Chief Executive of the West of England Partnership, introducing the seminar says "Green Infrastructure is a critical component of the Partnership's planning for the future. The West of England will be experiencing very high levels of growth over the next 20 years and it is vitally important that plans for regeneration of older urban areas and for urban extensions incorporate the very latest thinking in terms of Green Infrastructure. We look forward to working with our partners to achieve this objective".

Janette Ward, Natural England’s South West Regional Director will talk about the importance of Green Infrastructure and the benefits it brings to new and existing communities. These include opportunities for recreation, social activities, sustainable transport, biodiversity and maintaining landscapes as well as adaptation for climate change.

Janette Ward says "We cannot afford to ignore the need to plan for Green Infrastructure in our towns and cities. It enhances the quality of our neighbourhoods and contributes to improved health and well being of residents. There can be significant benefits in attracting tourism and investment, and importantly provides opportunities for renewable energy production, flood alleviation and water management. By working together we can create truly sustainable communities for the future".

The event will feature a demonstration of the website and talks from the Government Office of the South West, Plymouth City Council and The Forest of Avon, sharing best practice on how to integrate Green Infrastructure into our communities.

Notes to editors:

For further information or to arrange an interview, contact Natural England’s South West Press Officer: Joanna Busk on joanna.busk@naturalengland.org.uk, 07900 608440.

Natural England works for people, places and nature to conserve and enhance biodiversity, landscapes and wildlife in rural, urban, coastal and marine areas. We conserve and enhance the natural environment for its intrinsic value, the wellbeing and enjoyment of people, and the economic prosperity it brings. For further information about Natural England please visit: www.naturalengland.org.uk.

The West of England Partnership consists of four unitary authorities - Bath & North East Somerset (B&NES), Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire - and a range of social, economic and environmental partners. The partnership is driving forward action to sustain prosperity and quality of life and to enhance the confidence of public and private investors. Particular attention is being given to transport, appropriate housing supply, economic competitiveness and inclusion, and culture, leisure and tourism. Visit www.westofengland.org for more information.

The Avon Wildlife Trust is a membership body promoting and protecting wildlife in the West of England, for more information visit www.avonwildlifetrust.org.uk.