To meet the UK Government’s agenda as identified in their 25 Year Environment Plan (25YEP) to preserve our natural capital “for future generations and for all the other creatures who share the globe with us”, natural capital, ecosystem services and biodiversity net gain as considerations within the planning process are growing in importance.
Street trees and urban woodlands are an important part of our urban green space, as defined in the Government’s 25YEP:
“The term “green space” … includes a range of environments known as “green infrastructure”, including parks, playing fields, woodland, street trees, rights of way, allotments, canal towpaths, green walls and roofs.” (Page 16)
“Our aim is to improve existing green infrastructure by encouraging more investment while making sure there is a presumption for sustainable development.” (Page 77)
As part of my dissertation I am undertaking a study into the effectiveness of the planning system as a tool to help secure the long-term management and maintenance of trees and woodlands in the urban realm.
I would be extremely grateful if you would complete the online survey as soon as possible and no later than 07 June 2019. The online survey consists of 16 questions and should only take around 10 minutes to complete.
Also, I am seeking expert support and input from professionals working within the planning sector. Therefore:
- Do you know of successful case studies where the management and maintenance of trees and woodlands has been successfully secured within new development proposals?
- Would you be able to put me in contact with a key contact person for the proposed case study that would participate in my research and complete the online survey?
Although my research will focus on England, if you know of an excellent case study from elsewhere that could successfully be implemented within the English planning system, then I would be keen to hear from you. I have ethics approval for an online survey with your networks and contacts, particularly local planning authorities and developers. The greater the level of input, the greater the validity of the results.
The information provided by respondents in this online survey will be used for research purposes only. It will not be used in a manner which would allow identification of your individual responses.
Anonymised research data will be archived at the UK Data Archive in order to make them available to other researchers in line with current data sharing practices.
Thank you very much in anticipation for your support.