Urban Park/Greenspace
Key Benefits
- Social & Health: Recreation space (formal/informal play, sports); Improved physical & mental well-being; Social interaction; Educational opportunities (C753 Ch 5; GI Guide).
- Environmental: Air Quality Improvement (pollutant capture); Urban Cooling / Climate Regulation (2.7°C daytime temp reduction); Noise Reduction (4 db/m²); Carbon Sequestration & Storage (C753 Ch 5; GI Guide).
- Water Management: High Rainwater Runoff Retention (84.2%); Significant Interception & Infiltration potential (30% annual rainfall); Water Quality Improvement (TSS, Nutrient, Metal reduction via soil/plants) (C753 Ch 3, Ch 4).
- Biodiversity: Creates core habitat areas; Supports diverse species (plants, invertebrates, birds, mammals); Improves ecological connectivity (C753 Ch 6; GI Guide).
- Economic: Property Value Uplift (Proximity): 9.5%; Potential tourism/event revenue (GI Guide).
Technical Guidance
Masterplanning & Concept (C753 Ch 7; GI Guide)
Define primary functions (recreation, biodiversity, flood storage etc.) and desired character. Identify opportunities to manage runoff from within the park and adjacent areas via integrated SuDS features (swales, ponds, rain gardens, permeable paths). Consider topography, existing features (protect valuable habitats/trees), accessibility, and connectivity to wider GI networks. Engage community early (C753 Ch 34). Address Biodiversity Net Gain requirements.
Site Assessment (C753 Ch 7; GI Guide)
Assess existing soils (type, structure, contamination - C753 Ch 8.2), infiltration potential (C753 Ch 25), groundwater levels (C753 Ch 8.3), topography, ecology, heritage, utilities.
Water Quantity Management (C753 Ch 3)
Maximise runoff volume reduction (Interception - C753 Ch 24.8) via soil storage, infiltration (where suitable), and evapotranspiration (planting design). Provide attenuation storage in multi-functional basins (Ch 22 - e.g., sports pitches) or ponds/wetlands (Ch 23). Ensure safe management of exceedance flows (C753 Ch 24.12), using pathways or low points.
Water Quality Management (C753 Ch 4, Ch 26)
Utilise vegetated SuDS components (swales, filter strips, bioretention, wetlands) for treatment. Protect sensitive features (ponds, infiltration areas) with upstream pre-treatment (e.g., forebays, filter strips - C753 Ch 15, Ch 28). Design to manage pollutants appropriate to runoff sources.
Amenity & Recreation Design (C753 Ch 5, Ch 29; GI Guide)
Integrate SuDS aesthetically. Design safe, accessible paths (consider permeable options - C753 Ch 20), seating, play areas, water features. Ensure safety around water (C753 Ch 36). Provide interpretation/education opportunities.
Biodiversity & Habitat Design (C753 Ch 6, Ch 29; GI Guide)
Create diverse habitats: meadows, woodland/scrub, wetlands, ponds. Use native UK species appropriate for site conditions. Create structural diversity (varied planting heights, deadwood - C753 S6.3). Link habitats internally and connect to external corridors. Minimise impacts of lighting.
Soil Management (C753 Ch 29.5, Ch 30.4; GI Guide - Soils)
Protect/reuse existing topsoil. Import appropriate soils (e.g., BS 3882:2015) or create specific substrates (low fertility for meadows). Decompact subsoils before topsoiling, especially in construction traffic areas or where infiltration is desired.
Planting & Establishment (C753 Ch 29.6, Ch 29.7; GI Guide - Planting)
Select robust, appropriate species (UK native priority) for different zones/habitats. Ensure good ground preparation, planting techniques (BS 8545 for trees), and establishment watering/aftercare.
Maintenance (C753 Ch 32; GI Guide - Maintenance)
Develop long-term management plan with differentiated regimes (amenity mowing, meadow cuts, woodland management, SuDS feature checks - inlet/outlet clearing, sediment removal). Ensure funding and responsibilities are clear.