Joint implementation (e.g. tree planting)

The Wetlands uses natural processes for water treatment and involved local communities in the regeneration of the area. The
Wetlands were constructed in 2005 by diverting a small flow of Chellow Dene Beck through a constructed wetland designed to improve the appearance, water quality and biodiversity of the site. It consists of a series of ponds at the lower end of the site that acts together to remove impurities from the water before returning it to the beck further downstream. The creation of wetlands and maintenance is also a part of the larger Bradford beck project. (reference 1) The site is also used as a recreational trail for the local people and tourists (ref 4). As the reservoir is a local recreational centre it also promotes (paid) recreational fishing activities in some designated spots (ref 5).

Ben Rhydding Gravel Pits Nature Reserve has a variety of habitats. The site is largely artificial, originating from former gravel pits. The river gravels were of good quality and represented an important local source for the construction industry. The pits ceased to be worked in 1970’s and flooded. Infill materials - a variety of materials have been used: building rubble, soil and treated sewage residues from the treatment plants. Plant materials and soil from parks, gardens and building sites have added to the bio-diversity. The reserve is owned by Bradford Council and managed by Wharfedale Naturalists Society volunteers. (reference 1) With the support of Natural England, the site was declared a Local Nature Reserve in October 2013. (ref 7).

The Sun Lane nature reserve in Burley-in-Wharfedale is the second site in Bradford to receive the Local Nature Reserve (LNR) status. The land was used as a garbage dump and reclaimed in the 1970s. (ref1) Pollution from the landfill site was leaching into nearby watercourses and in 1993, Bradford Council undertook a scheme to cap the landfill and restore the site. They installed a reed-bed purification system, to eliminate pollution from contaminated water and add to the reserve’s biodiversity. The Burley Village Wildlife Group began conservation work to enhance biodiversity. (ref4) In 2003 a group of volunteers took over the maintenance of the area and now help to manage it in collaboration with Bradford Council (ref 5). As the site heals at its best, forty-two Common Blue butterflies were recorded together in 2006 (ref 5).

Bowling Park is a public urban park and the key purpose is to grow fruit, develop wildlife habitats and create sociable urban green space as well as maximise the biodiversity of the site and minimise any adverse impact on the environment. The orchard, along with allotment sites, as a whole is a valuable part of the Green Infrastructure Network in Bradford (ref 1). The orchard is developed on six disused allotment plots adjacent to Bowling Park. In March 2003 the orchard has planted over 40 trees including- 35 varieties of apple, 6 pears and 4 plums (ref2).

The sustainable garden was created in 2013. Based on the gold award-winning RHS flower show entry in 2012 by the university’s ‘water@leeds’, the garden is an excellent example of collaborative working between the Facilities Directorate, Leeds University Union and academic staff. The garden provides a multi-functional space for staff, students and visitors to campus to enjoy quiet contemplation but also to cultivate an allotment-and-forest-style edible garden. It is a great example of a functioning ecosystem with wildflower areas, soft fruit hedgerows, insect houses and pocket habitats. (1)

The Schwanheimer dune is one of the few inland dunes in Europe. Sand, silver grass and gnarled pines shape the landscape, but also orchards and ponds are part of it (8). The area was designated as a nature reserve by the State of Hesse in 1984. Since its expansion in 2002, it now covers 58.5 hectares. Since 2003 it has also been protected as a Flora-Fauna Habitat area under European law contributing to the Natura2000 landscape (8). An approximately 400-meter-long boardwalk made of chestnut wood leads through the center of the dune on which visitors can enjoy nature on site - without harming it (8, 10). It was built in 1999 and completely rebuilt in 2017 with a lot of effort on the old route (8).

Heeley City Farm came into existence in the middle of 1981 (ref 3). It is a community-based and led training, employment and youth enterprise (ref 1) and a much needed green space in the inner suburban Sheffield with recycling, healthy living facilities, a garden centre, cafe, and charity shop. Heeley City Farm also manages food growing projects across Sheffield. (Ref 3) The Farm addresses poverty, inequality, prejudice and lack of opportunity by supporting community regeneration and self-help within environmentally friendly and self-sustaining systems, using the background of a mini-farm, community gardens and related resources. (Ref1)

Saltersgate Junior School has unveiled its new eco-friendly ‘living wall’ - believed to be the first of its type in a UK school. This was part of a larger refurbishment project. The 98-square metre architectural feature will help insulate the building and use surplus rainwater from the roof to water plants. The Scawsby school’s pupils have been involved in the creation. They will also be looking after it and use it as an educational area for studying different types of plants and insects (Ref 1 & 2)

A nature park in Bucharest containing the wetlands surrounding Lake Vacaresti. It was initially a swamp drained by the communist regime, which builds a complex of apartment blocks. In 2014 it was declared protected by the Romanian Government and named Văcărești Nature Park, and was approved as a natural protected area in 2016. (1)

A vegetable garden located on the property of an elementary school, allowing children to grow their own vegetables, minimizing the lunch costs for the school's management and bringing together parents, children and volunteers in creating a space for learning, relaxation and community all under the umbrella of environmental protection (1).