Green Infrastructure for Growth / Making Space for Nature

Cornwall Council and researchers at the University of Exeter have been working closely together to bring more wildlife to the ‘green deserts’ of small urban public open spaces, whilst also improving them for local communities. So far 40 hectares of urban green space have been improved for both biodiversity and people, for example by adding wildflower patches, pollinator friendly shrubs, benches, paths, and natural features. Local communities have been involved throughout, including whilst planning the interventions, and later to participate in spruce up days and bulb planting. The projects are part funded by the European Regional Development Fund, with match funding from Cornwall Council and the University of Exeter.