Local Communities Boost Biodiversity through Green Space Management

Local governments can significantly address the biodiversity crisis by collaborating with communities to manage green spaces, according to a recent study from the University of Exeter. The research highlights the importance of understanding how communities value and utilize their local green areas, suggesting that effective stewardship can lead to enhanced biodiversity and improved public well-being.

As urban areas in the UK face increasing demand for green spaces, this study emphasizes the role of local councils in creating accessible environments that not only support ecological diversity but also contribute to community health. The findings, published in the journal People and Nature, provide a strategic framework for councils to manage both new and existing urban green spaces effectively.

Key Insights on Green Space Management

Fay Kahane of the University of Exeter notes that collaborative planning with communities is essential for successful stewardship. “To achieve effective stewardship of urban green spaces, it’s critical local governments plan collaboratively with communities,” Kahane stated. The research identifies that stewardship should reflect local preferences, whether that involves maintaining well-tended flowerbeds or fostering wilder, more biodiverse areas.

The study also indicates that urban green spaces can yield multiple benefits, such as reducing flooding risks, enhancing public health, and creating economic opportunities. By targeting sites with existing gardening groups, councils can capitalize on community engagement. In more disadvantaged neighborhoods, however, financial investment becomes crucial. The report suggests that council-funded specialists, including ecologists and facilitators, are necessary to understand diverse local perspectives and create vibrant green spaces that promote well-being.

Conditions for Effective Stewardship

The research outlines five critical conditions that influence successful stewardship of urban green spaces:

1. **Neighborhood capacity** – This includes factors like levels of deprivation and the existence of volunteer groups.
2. **Landscape quality** – Attributes such as mature trees, historical elements, and scenic views play a vital role.
3. **Resident/government relations** – The dynamics between local authorities and residents, especially in areas with historical tensions, are significant.
4. **Sense of place** – The emotional connections residents have with their green spaces are crucial for engagement.
5. **Financial input** – The costs associated with enhancing green spaces impact the ability to implement improvements.

The study also addresses evolving attitudes towards urban nature, advocating for a balanced approach to management. Visible signs of care, such as regularly mowed paths alongside areas of longer grass, can help restore biodiversity while fostering community pride and ownership.

Councilor Loic Rich, who oversees Environment and Climate Change at Cornwall Council, commented on the practical implications of the research. “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 well-being,” Rich said.

To gather data for the study, researchers evaluated 25 publicly accessible green spaces across nine Cornish towns. They employed a rigorous methodology known as Qualitative Comparative Analysis (QCA), which combined on-site interviews, online research, and biodiversity assessments. Each site was scored on factors such as management quality, community involvement, inclusiveness, and social or biodiversity gains.

Karen Hall, who initiated volunteer gardening sessions at the Beacon site in Falmouth, shared her personal experience. “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,” Hall explained. “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.”

The study serves as a roadmap for local governments aiming to enhance urban green space planning through ongoing investment, community involvement, and sensitivity to local contexts. By prioritizing these elements, councils can foster environments that benefit both biodiversity and community well-being.

For further details, the study is titled “Enabling effective urban green space stewardship through planning: a Qualitative Comparative Analysis in Southwest England,” available in the journal People and Nature as of November 19, 2025.