Public actor (e.g. municipality)

"The proposal is to create a leisure landscape in the countryside to the south of Wakefield, Featherstone and the South East Rural Renaissance areas. The project looks at integrating a series of existing environmental and historic attractions such as Nostell Priory Estate, Newmillerdam Country Park, Haw Park and Anglers Country Park in a landscape that is shaped by reclaimed open cast mining, and features e.g. an innovative forest planting scheme". The proposal is part of the ‘Strategic projects’ to deliver Wakefield’s vision for green infrastructure. (Ref. 1, 2)

The Vesdre River Greenway plan was intended to give the town of Verviers the opportunity to reconnect the local residents and businesses with the river and to create new functions, such as recreational and economic activities, around the river Vesdre. The development of the plan was part of a research project called VALUE, Valuing Attractive Landscapes in the Urban Economy, which was funded through the European Union Interreg IVB programme for North West Europe. It aimed to demonstrate the economic value of Green Investment (GI) at the site scale, showing how to target investments to maximise the competitive benefits to communities. "To serve this purpose, the Economic Development Agency of the Province of Liege in collaboration with the University of Liege planned developing a cycle and pedestrian path in the Pré-Javais District, near the city centre, on the left side of the Vesdre River in Verviers, linking the centre of Verviers to the suburbs" (Ref. 5). The green and blue infrastructure was planned to allow the creation of a true link between natural wildlife, inhabitants and businesses, and will offer a new development strategy for the whole town (Ref. 3).

In the new district ‘Kop Zuidas’, water green strip is created along the sidewalk in which stormwater is temporarily stored by means of high-grade vegetation and a drainage system. The stormwater slowly infiltrates into the soil and only reaches the sewage system in case of extremely heavy rainfall. It is a pilot project for stormwater retention and will be upscaled throughout Amsterdam when successful. (1,2)

Belfast is located within the River Lagan Catchment and is at risk from flash floods caused by storm water unable to drain away into the combined storm and sewerage network. The Local Development Plan will facilitate the development of green infrastructure resource or ecosystem services such as the green wedges in Lagan Valley Regional Park (ref 2). Lagan Canal is one of the emerging partnership projects to produce plans to restore and revitalise the Lagan Canal corridor. The river Lagan and the canal is an asset for the city, and for the wider region (Ref 1).

The project created a friendly green recreation area for the elderly in the neighbourhood where there is a lack of spaces dedicated to the elderly. The plans involve the revitalization of a neglected square, plantings assorted greenery and preservation of the existing trees. The NBS should foster physical activity and social inclusion of the elderly residents in the neighbourhood, as well as to lead to the revitalization of the district and improved standards of living [1,2].

The initiative aimed to create a layout of flowers and perennials in the green belt at Ogrodowa Street in the urban area where historically gardens were located. The initiators also took care of the existing tree crowns. The project has created a green enclave in the very heart of the city, a place for walking and relaxation. It has improved the image and increased the attractiveness of the area. The local community is involved in planting and maintaining the flowerbed [1,2].

As an open root space, climbing plants usually only need a small floor area. Such planting areas can be cut out in a semicircular shape
directly on the facade, for example in the eaves strip of the roof overhangs (irrigation may be necessary). The city department for urban development initiated a funding programme for green facades and walls on private property in the city district of Wolbeck. It formed part of the proposed measures of the urban redevelopment programme for the district to improve its attractiveness and enhance green spaces. It included the reimbursement of up to 70 per cent of the arising material costs provided that the owner commits to maintaining the green façade for ten years. Although only three parties participated in the programme, public awareness of the multiple benefits of green space were raised (ref. 1, 2, 3 and 4).

"Walking pathway located on the banks of the river of the Arc which flows to the south of the city. It follows the meanders of the river and includes games for children, a fitness trail, meadows in the shade of tall trees that border the stream. It covers an area of 10 hectares." (Ref. 1)

The project aimed to improve the Owler Beck riverbody catchment in Wakefield. Data collected by the Environment Agency revealed that the Owler Beck catchment is struggling to achieve the 'good ecological status' needed in order to meet the European Water Framework Directive. This is likely due to years of alterations that have removed the diversity of the environments and left the watercourse silty. The project aimed to address these issues by working on the priority sites along the river. A multi-phased scheme had been designed to relieve these pressures and deliver benefits for both people and wildlife across the catchment. (Ref. 1) The project is completed as of 2019 with 200m of river reach length covered in the catchment area. (Ref 7)

In order to improve the Indian Neighourhood, a 'ribbon' of multiple pocket parks was created that improves social cohesion and environmental quality. The area lacked social cohesion previous to the creation of the pocket parks and was faced with nuisance from addicts and drug dealers as they were involved in disturbing behaviour, vandalism and criminality (1,10). This created an unsafe environment for the inhabitants of the neighbourhood (1,5) In the stamp parks, social activities are organized and the green spaces are completely managed by citizens themselves. (1)