Communities Partner to Enhance Urban Green Spaces for Biodiversity

Local communities can play a vital role in the management of urban green spaces, a recent study from the University of Exeter suggests. By aligning stewardship efforts with the needs and values of residents, local governments can effectively address the ongoing biodiversity crisis. Published on November 19, 2025, in the journal People and Nature, the research highlights the importance of community involvement in enhancing biodiversity and improving public well-being.

Local councils in the UK face increasing demands to expand accessible green spaces in urban areas. These efforts are essential not only for biodiversity conservation but also for public health and economic opportunities. The study underscores that effective management of these areas can yield multiple benefits, including reduced flooding and improved mental health among residents.

Collaborative Stewardship for Long-Term Success

Fay Kahane from the University of Exeter emphasized the necessity of collaboration in planning for urban green spaces. “To achieve effective stewardship, it’s critical local governments plan collaboratively with communities,” she stated. The research found that stewardship must reflect local values, whether through well-maintained flowerbeds or more natural, biodiverse environments.

The study identified several conditions essential for successful stewardship, including neighborhood capacity, landscape quality, resident-government relations, sense of place, and financial input. Kahane noted that targeting areas with active gardening groups can lead to easy wins. In contrast, areas with higher deprivation levels require significant financial investment to engage specialists, such as ecologists, to create vibrant green spaces.

Insights from Local Councils and Community Efforts

Councilor Loic Rich of Cornwall Council, responsible for Environment and Climate Change, reiterated the findings of the study. “Green spaces thrive when they reflect the needs and values of the communities who use them,” he explained. By fostering close collaboration with residents and investing in long-term management, councils can create resilient spaces that benefit both nature and community health.

The research involved an extensive analysis of 25 publicly accessible green spaces across nine towns in Cornwall. Researchers employed a rigorous methodology known as Qualitative Comparative Analysis (QCA), which included on-site interviews, online research, and biodiversity assessments. Each site was evaluated based on management practices, community involvement, inclusivity, and social and biodiversity gains.

Karen Hall, a local volunteer who initiated gardening sessions at the Beacon site in Falmouth, shared her experience. “Funding for open space management is often limited, and I wanted to ensure this magnificent space was preserved,” she said. Hall’s monthly volunteer sessions have not only safeguarded the plants but also fostered community connections. “I’m extremely pleased these sessions have enhanced the Beacon, brought a smile to many faces, and protected micro-habitats for the fauna of Falmouth,” she added.

The study’s findings provide a roadmap for local governments to enhance urban green space planning through continual investment, community engagement, and sensitivity to local context. As the biodiversity crisis escalates, the role of communities in managing their green spaces is more crucial than ever.

For more information, refer to the study titled “Enabling effective urban green space stewardship through planning: a Qualitative Comparative Analysis in Southwest England,” published in People and Nature.