Green Neighbourhoods

Image credit: Sensory Trust

Listen to what the residents want

Resident participation leads to the creation of high quality green space by responding to the needs and wishes of the people who will actually use it.

Adopt green right outside the door

Allow planting beds or trees to be “adopted” in parks or along streets. Residents can choose their own planting with a commitment to care for the plants themselves. An agreement can be signed between the city and the residents if either of the parties do not fulfill their agreed level of participation.

Create respect for public green space

By allowing residents to take part in design, construction and maintenance they respect the green spaces and contribute to their care, instead of expecting the authorities to have sole responsibility. People are more likely to pick up litter on “their own street” than on a “public street”.

Plan green activities for residents

Bring residents together at key moments to create enthusiasm and involve them in the process of creating green spaces in the neighbourhood. Use publicity to spread the enthusiasm to other neighbourhoods. Organise activities such as tree planting events or community gardening workshops.

Transform unused space in the city with green

Provide people on the waiting lists for permanent community/allotment gardens access to temporarily vacant land in their own neighbourhoods. The neighbourhood becomes greener, the gardeners are happy and surrounding residents and passersby are inspired.

Include residents in the design and maintenance of green spaces in their direct living environment.