Green Cities Webinar Series These FREE introductory webinars are of particular interest to councillors and those new to the green infrastructure agenda. Upcoming Events: The outlook for green infrastructure in Great Britain post-BREXIT 22 October, 2020 at 2:00pm - 3:30pm In recent years, the European Union has provided both a strong policy context and significant project funding for green infrastructure across the UK, as well as numerous opportunities to learn from the innovation taking place in other EU countries. Losing this policy and financial support - and access to pan-EU networks of green infrastructure sector innovation - will be a significant change for the sector. However, in all the UK nations, policy support for green infrastructure has strengthened considerably in the last few years. This webinar will consider the implications of BREXIT for green infrastructure policy and practice in the light of new initiatives being brought forward by the governments of Scotland, Wales and England. Arthur Keller, Head of Structural Funds, NatureScot - ‘The view from Scotland’ Clare Warburton, Principal Adviser - Green Infrastructure, Natural England - ‘The view from England’ *Third speaker to be confirmed* Past Events: Should communities have a right to green space? This webinar will explore the idea that all communities should have a right to green space, first proposed by Caroline Lucas in May 2020 in ‘Green Steps to Better’ and since put forward by a range of organisations. The webinar will explore what a ‘right to green space’ might mean; how it could be used to make the distribution of green spaces fairer; and what it means at a local level. Caroline Lucas, Member of Parliament for Brighton Pavilion – ‘Why communities should have a right to green space’ Helen Griffiths, CEO, Fields in Trust – ‘Introducing the Green Space Index and how it could be used to put the ‘right to greenspace’ into practice’ Trina Lynskey, Chair of Deptford Folk and London Green Spaces Commissioner – ‘How might the ‘right to green space’ work in London? Making Places Greener – practical tools and insights (part 2) The Covid-19 pandemic has focussed attention on the importance of access to green space - and the climate crisis has increased interest in planting more trees. This webinar will look at practical ways to make urban areas greener, including: new ways of funding green infrastructure; how to make the most of neglected spaces; and how to ensure that urban tree planting projects are successful. Agamemnon Otero, Director, Energy Garden – ‘Making the most of neglected spaces’ Keith Sacre, Trustee, Trees and Design Action Group – ‘Tips for successful large-scale urban tree planting’ Debbie Tann, CEO, Hants and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust – ‘Protecting wildlife from nitrate pollution using nature-based solutions in the Solent’ Green spaces for people and wellbeing Why greening our towns and cities is essential if we are to leave the environment in a better state than we inherited itMel Hughes, Sustainable Development Programme Director, Natural EnglandKey links: People and Nature Survey for England - Natural England Interim Report – The Dasgupta Review: Independent Review on the Economics of Biodiversity - HM Treasury Living with beauty: report of the Building Better, Building Beautiful Commission - MHCLG Why trees, parks and gardens are vital for successful communitiesJudy Ling Wong OBE CBE, Honorary President, Black Environment Network and Founding Trustee, National Park City Foundation Key links: Guide for green walking in mental health recovery - Green Walking Re-design of Grosvenor Park London - a series of events and engagements with the community The London National Park City Initiative National Park City Foundation with information on the Universal Charter and how to become a national park city The Charter for Trees, Woods and People [email protected] - www.judylingwong.co.uk - www.ben-network.org.uk Green places for wellbeing: the evidenceHarmony Ridgley, Healthy Places Team, Public Health England Key links: Spending at least 120 minutes a week in nature is associated with good health and wellbeing Health and the natural environment: A review of evidence, policy, practice and opportunities for the future Healthy High Streets Spatial planning for health Putting health into place Using the planning system to promote healthy weight environments Creating the conditions for green infrastructureRob Lacey, Planning Policy Group Leader, Cornwall Council The presentation slides are available to download by clicking on the presentation titles above. How the natural environment can help combat climate change Putting a value on trees in LeedsAnna Gugan, Natural Capital Valuation and Woodland Creation Officer, United Bank of Carbon & University of Leeds Find Anna's answers to follow up questions here.Developing a carbon-based strategy for tree plantingGlenn Gorner, Natural Environment Manager, Parks & Countryside, Leeds City CouncilThe ParkPower project: generating energy from Scotland’s green spacesJohn Maslen, ParkPower Project Manager, GreenSpace Scotland Find John's answers to follow up questions here. The presentation slides are available to download by clicking on the presentation titles above. Making places greener - practical tools and insights Creating a greener SwanseaPenny Gruffydd, Sustainability Policy Officer, City & County of Swansea Fran Rolfe, Sustainable Places Officer, Natural Resources Wales Follow the project team at: @frolfey @PGruffydd @NatResWales @SwanseaCouncil @GreenInfracons Why London is introducing an urban greening factor?Peter Massini, Lead – Green Infrastructure, Greater London Authority Read Planning for green infrastructure – the green space factor and learning from Europe Contact Peter via email or Twitter at @LDN_environment or @PeterMassini Calculating biodiversity net gainDavid Lowe, Principal Ecologist, Warwickshire County Council Contact David via email Find out more about Warwickshire County Council's course on biodiversity net gain here, and register your interest using this link. The presentation slides are available to download by clicking on the presentation titles above. Read our Green Cities UK brochure. To learn more about the Green Cities Project, click here. To sign up to the Green Infrastructure Partnership newsletter, with news about funding opportunities, research, events and more, email us here: [email protected] Follow the Green Infrastructure Partnership on Twitter: @GIPartnership