Investing in Communities, Climate, and Nature.

Improving local green and blue spaces

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  We need to see nature as critical infrastructure, not as a marginal liability. Nature recovery, and a strong, prosperous, more resilient South Gloucestershire, go hand in hand. Alongside energy, transport, water and communications, nature-related services provide the infrastructure that underpins our community, our place, and our economy. 

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  Planting trees and caring for woodlands

  Ancient and native woodlands contain some of the most complex and biodiverse of all ecosystems, supporting more species than any other form of habitat. Their biodiversity provides a foundation for the ecosystem services that healthy, sustainable and climate resilient communities need. Trees capture and store carbon, helping to reduce the greenhouse gasses that cause global warming. They clean the air by removing pollutants and particulates. They provide shade to cool our spaces and a buffer against storms. Tree canopies slow the speed with which heavy rain reaches the ground, helping to protect against flooding. 

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  Restoring and creating ponds

  Ponds reflect the sun’s rays and help to cool spaces. They provide opportunities to capture and store stormwater, relieving pressure on nearby rivers and streams and reducing flood risks. Rich in biodiversity, they are a key component of all freshwater ecosystems helping to ensure the ongoing availability of clean freshwater habitats and resources.    

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  Restoring and creating meadows and grasslands

  Species rich and biodiverse meadows create complex root systems within the soil beneath the meadow that are highly effective for carbon capture and storage. The soils beneath meadow have very good infiltration rates, so they’re great for slowing and cleaning stormwater runoff and reducing flood risks. They also contain much richer biodiversity of species so help to strengthen ecosystems. Despite all of the important benefits they provide, the UK has seen a 98% loss of these beautiful, biodiversity rich spaces since the end of WW11.   

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  Protecting our rivers, brooks and streams

  Diverse and complex habitats in their own right, rivers, brooks and streams also help to connect and stitch together the natural world by providing routes for nature as they weave in and out of the various surrounding habitats. Pollutants carelessly discharged or carried by the increasing volume of stormwater runoff, overflow from ageing and inadequate sewage systems, invasive non-native species, built structures that obstruct the passage of aquatic species, all threaten and damage these vital ecosystems. The health and viability of our waterways is intrinsically linked to the flood resilience of our communities and economy. 

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  Improving access to nature

  Access to, and enjoyment of the natural world has a hugely beneficial impact on our own health and wellbeing. Whether through quiet moments of tranquil reflection, glimpsed sightings of elusive and fascinating creatures, high energy exercise and recreation or a simple, peaceful journey away from the hustle and bustle of the surrounding streets, we are healthier and happier because of time spent in beautiful, natural spaces. We're improving footpaths, creating welcoming entrances and providing places to sit and spend time with yourself, your family and friends and your community.