Public Greenspace Area

The park acts as a source of biodiversity for the whole Padana Plain. Many species are threatened by the loss or degradation of their habitats and the invasion of alien species. Of particular concern are the loss and degradation of wetlands and the degradation of streams, springs and secondary water courses. This project aims at restoring the natural habitat and reintroducing the original plant an animal species, while keeping under control invasive alien species. (1). The project is set to end on 31st of October 2020. (1)

Just outside a densely built-up area in Bergen, a 6km nature-trail is being built. The trail brings citizens closer to nature and gives great opportunities for recreation. The trail runs up on the mountains and into the forest, and at selected points along the trail there are beautiful look-outs, picnic areas and places for children to play. Løvstien is being built with materials and a design that will tolerate high levels of rainfall, as Bergen is experiencing a lot of rain, and are projected to get even more over the coming decades due to climate change. (Ref. 1,3)

The green area which surrounds the famous museum has been renewed in the last years. It is an interesting site of botanic interest, as there are more than 400 species of plants living there, and more than 150.000 trees. In particular, the company Slow Food Campania cultivated a small vegetable garden. Is a project of small- scale agriculture, in order to enhance a variety of cultivation and biodiversity conservation. The company Slow Food has been supported by the company Lande srl, specialized in the revitalization of historical green areas at the urban level (Ref.1).
The interventions include the restoration and re-functionalization of 10 areas: the Garden and Casamento Torre, the Giardino della Fruttiera di basso, the Fagianeria, the Capraia, the Porta di Mezzo, the Cisternone, the Cellaio, the Vallone di San Gennaro, the ex Eremo dei Cappuccini (Ref.1).

"Tirone Alto Vesuvio" is a park situated within the Vesuvio area in Naples, this area was recently qualified as an eco-campus (green infrastructure), a project realized in 2011 according to the European guidelines for sustainable tourism. In particular, the eco-campus has the goal to promote sustainable and zero-impact sports activities, in order to spread awareness on ecological issues. In addition, it provides important health benefits and social and cultural advantages (Ref.1).

The WWF Oasis of Valle Averto extends to the edge of the Venetian lagoon and is a typical fishing valley of the Venetian lagoon, the only one closed to hunting. It is located within a Community Importance Site (SIC IT3250030). It is also a Special Protection Zone (SPP IT3250046). The area, about 200 hectares, includes ample mirrors of brackish water, canes, igrophilous forests, canals. After being purchased by WWF, plants of the planífico igrofilo forest kind were re-introduced: oak, black poplar, elm, ash and other typical species (1).

In 2019, the city of Poznań finalized works on another city park, as a part of its long-term urban redevelopment plan. When designing the park, the focus was on creating a place for relaxing and recreation for all residents - regardless of what forms of activity and relaxation they prefer. Therefore, the entire area has been divided into zones adapted to different needs, be it for active adults, children, or dog owners. The park comprises of an extensive lawn and is separated from a noisy street by a corridor of trees. Everything is lit with solar lamps [1,2,5].

In the course of 7 years from 2010, the Newcastle City Council's budget for Parks has been cut by 90%. A public consultation was carried out in partnership with the National Trust and National Lottery Heritage Fund, on the proposed transfer of the operation, delivery and maintenance of parks and allotments from the government to a new Charitable Trust (Charity). Under the new governing model, the land would remain owned by Newcastle City Council, and the trust would be able to generate additional revenue to maintain the parks. (1, 2, 3). The proposal was accepted and the Urban Green Newcastle, an independent charity was formed in 2019, taking over the management and maintenance of the 33 parks and 61 allotment sites in Newcastle upon Tyne. (10)
Urban Green Newcastle generates its own revenue to pay for operations via fundraising, grants and commercial activities which then are reinvested back into the parks and allotments. The aim is to cover the annual running costs of £2m pounds. (10)

Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh (RBGE) is endorsing - Edinburgh Adapts - the city’s first climate change adaptation action plan as a demonstration site of the ClimateXChange project. The 2012 persistent heavy raining incident brought flooding and damage to beds, lawns and paths at RBGE. A study is being carried out to see the impact of weather events on their gardens and how this can be used to best deal with projected climate change. Horticulture and visitor services staff at the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh (RBGE) and its Regional Gardens are already adapting to climate uncertainty. (ref 2, 3)

The Montreynaud Park is composed of a great diversity of spaces (dense woodlands, undergrowth, meadow spaces, small group of trees ) and presents a richness of fauna and flora. The challenge of rebuilding this area is to create a real urban park, a green lung that provides the junction between the upper and lower parts of the neighborhood and links it to the rest of the city. The redevelopment of the park must meet the needs of the inhabitants by developing a place of contemplation, pedestrian paths, sports and recreational paths, and in connection with scientific, technical and industrial culture (Ref.1).

The "Green Play City", a nature experience park on 4,500 sqm exists since 1999. Initiated and administered by the non-profit organization "Wissenschaftsladen" (short WiLa), it combines nature experience and recreation for kids and grown-ups with education about the environment and nature-based design while also serving as a place for social interactions through intercultural events (3,4). The initiative "Raus aus'm Haus" aims at expanding the educational and participatory component of the Green Play City. By closely collaborating with schools and kindergartens on options for related on-site workshops, project days or open-air classrooms will be explored and conceptualized (1).