Helping communities manage green spaces by understanding how they use and value the area could be an effective way for local governments to tackle the biodiversity crisis, according to a new study from the University of Exeter.
Local councils in the UK are under growing pressure to increase publicly accessible green spaces in towns and cities to boost biodiversity, as well as improve public wellbeing. Research has shown effective stewardship of urban green spaces not only improves biodiversity, but also reduces flooding, promotes public health, and creates business opportunities.
The study, published in People and Nature, outlines how councils can plan for effective long-term stewardship of new and existing urban green spaces.
Fay Kahane of the University of Exeter said: "Our study indicates that to achieve effective stewardship of urban green spaces, it's critical local governments plan collaboratively with communities. Stewardship needs to reflect local values, whether that's well-tended flowerbeds or wilder, biodiverse spaces.
"During our research we've seen potential easy wins by targeting sites with existing gardening groups, for example, but in more deprived neighbourhoods, financial investment becomes key. Council-funded specialists such as ecologists and facilitators are needed to understand varied local views and create easy-to-manage, colourful, and biodiverse green spaces that enhance people's wellbeing. Our findings offer a roadmap for local governments to future-proof urban green space planning through ongoing investment, community involvement, and sensitivity to local context."
The study identifies five social and ecological conditions that most influence successful stewardship:
- Neighbourhood capacity – Including deprivation levels and the presence of volunteer gardening groups.
- Landscape quality – Features such as mature trees, heritage elements, and scenic views.
- Resident/government relations – Especially where there are historic tensions.
- Sense of place – The emotional bonds people form with their local green spaces.
- Financial input – The relative cost of green space enhancement works.
The study also notes changing attitudes toward "tidy" versus "messy" urban nature, suggesting that visible 'cues to care' such as regular mowing of path edges, whilst leaving space for areas of longer grass, can help restore biodiversity whilst fostering community pride.
Councillor Loic Rich, cabinet member with responsibility for Environment and Climate Change at Cornwall Council, said: "This research reinforces what we see on the ground – green spaces thrive when they reflect the needs and values of the communities who use them. By working closely with residents and investing in long-term stewardship, we can create biodiverse, resilient spaces that support both nature and wellbeing."
The research was conducted across 25 publicly accessible green spaces in nine Cornish towns. Researchers used a rigorous Qualitative Comparative Analysis (QCA), combining on-site interviews, online research, and biodiversity assessments, to score each site on management, community action, inclusivity, and social/biodiversity gains.
Karen Hall set up volunteer gardening sessions at the Beacon site in Falmouth. She said: "Funding for open space management is often limited and I wanted to make sure this magnificent space and the valuable plants in it were kept managed, so I decided to set up the monthly volunteer sessions. It's been a very rewarding experience and not only have the plants survived but I've met lots of lovely people, some of whom volunteer and some who simply want to say thank you for our work. I'm extremely pleased these sessions have enhanced the Beacon, brought a smile to so many faces, and protected micro-habitats for the fauna of Falmouth."
The study was undertaken alongside the Making Space for Nature project (formally known as Green Infrastructure for Growth 2, part funded by the European Regional Development Fund, Cornwall Council and the University of Exeter), which aimed to enhance urban green spaces for both people and wildlife, ensuring long-term environmental, social, and economic benefits for communities. The research was supported by the Economic and Social Research Council.
