Community Perceptions of Greenspace Interventions delivered by Local Authorities

• Model and quantify the benefits of GI schemes.
• Gather and analyse people’s views and perceptions of greenspace interventions delivered by local councils.
• Compare the views of people from across the UK with Rhyl residents’ perceptions.
• Find out whether the type of new GI affects its acceptability and people’s engagement.
• Find out whether the provision of specific information about co-benefits change perceptions and engagement.

• Calculated the economic value of a hectare of trees based on Denbighshire data for noise, carbon and air pollution.
• Developed a five-minute online survey to gather social data, returning 1866 nationally representative responses and 60 responses from Rhyl residents.
• Conducted 28 individual interviews and one focus group with Rhyl residents to gather further insights.
• Gave half of the survey and interview participants additional benefits information to analyse whether the provision of co-benefits facts affected perceptions and responses.

• Based on Denbighshire data the ecosystem service models revealed that one hectare of trees can provide an economic value of up to £3,669 for noise, air pollution and carbon, if planted in the right places.
• The vast majority of people surveyed (> 70%) and interviewed (> 80%) were in favour of GI schemes (in this case, tree planting and wildflower meadows).
• Additional information about the benefits they provide did not alter their perceptions around trees and wildflower meadows.
• Physical and mental health and well-being were the most cited benefits by people who were surveyed or interviewed. Health and well-being benefits were important to 100% of those interviewed.
• We synthesised these findings into a report for Denbighshire County Council and a policy brief.

Monday 26^th February 2024, 10am to 3.30pm.

Pontio Arts and Innovation Centre, Bangor University.

We organised a workshop to build on insights gained in our RECLAIM Network Plus funded project in Rhyl, North Wales. The focus of the event was any green and blue infrastructure in towns and cities. The purpose of the workshop was to share the findings of the Rhyl study whilst opening up the scope more widely to include GI that are of interest to councils and communities. It explored the needs, priorities, perceptions and preferences of stakeholders. Academic representation included UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology, Bangor University, Wrexham University. Public sector included Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board, Cyngor Gwynedd Council, Denbighshire County Council. Community groups included GwyrddNi, Ffrindiau Pwllheli, Cwlwm Seiriol, Bwyd Bendigedig y Felinheli and members of the public.

Our guiding question for the event:

Q: What do people across various levels of experience think about managing greenspace on a local council level, through the lens of health and wellbeing?

• What are your challenges?
• Where do we want to be?
• How can we get there?

The workshop enabled us to bring voices from different sectors and experience together, to discuss the important topic of greenspace and health and well-being. You can read more about this workshop on the RECLAIM Network website.