Urban spaces, once regarded as the antithesis of nature, are now being recognised for their potential to support biodiversity. As cities across the UK continue to expand and develop, the need to incorporate green spaces and environmental planning into urban development is becoming increasingly apparent. One such area that deserves attention is pedestrian pathways. They provide vital green corridors in our cities and are key to urban wildlife conservation. This article will explore the role these pathways play and will offer solutions for their improvement.
Pedestrian pathways are more than just the arteries that facilitate human movement across urban areas. They are significant elements of urban infrastructure that can actively support local biodiversity in several ways.
Firstly, pathways often feature green spaces comprising of trees, shrubs, grass, and flowers, which provide essential habitats for various species. These green spaces serve as mini-ecosystems within the city, supporting insects, birds, and small mammals. Moreover, they provide environmental benefits such as air purification and temperature regulation.
Secondly, these pathways can function as wildlife corridors. Corridors are crucial for the survival of different species as they facilitate movement and genetic exchange between isolated patches of suitable habitat. In an urban context, a network of green pathways can connect different city parks and green spaces, allowing wildlife to move safely across the urban jungle.
Despite their potential, pedestrian pathways can fall short in effectively supporting urban biodiversity. This is often due to the ways in which they are designed, maintained, and integrated into the broader cityscape.
Often, pathways are over-manicured, leaving little room for nature to thrive. Regular mowing of grassy areas, for example, can prevent wildflowers from blooming and thus limit their value for pollinators. Similarly, excessive pruning of trees and shrubs can reduce the availability of nesting sites for birds.
The lack of connectivity between green spaces can be another significant issue. Isolated patches of nature within a city will limit the ability of species to move and disperse, leading to small, vulnerable populations. To remedy this, the planning of pedestrian pathways needs to be integrated into the broader urban green infrastructure, creating connected networks of corridors for wildlife.
To maximise the value of pedestrian pathways for urban wildlife conservation, a more biological approach to their design, maintenance, and planning is required. This should be based on the principles of ‘rewilding’, which advocates for a less man-made, more nature-led approach.
Firstly, the management of green spaces along pathways should aim to mimic natural processes. This could involve less frequent mowing to allow wildflowers to bloom, or the creation of ‘deadwood habitats’ by leaving cut tree branches to decay naturally. These practices will increase the diversity of habitats along pathways and provide food and shelter for a wider range of species.
Secondly, the planning of pathways should aim to maximise connectivity between existing green spaces. This can be achieved by mapping out the city’s green spaces and identifying opportunities for new pathways to link them. In addition, existing pathways could be widened or ‘greened’ by planting more trees and shrubs along their edges.
Involving local communities in the planning and maintenance of pedestrian pathways is crucial for success. After all, these are the spaces that they use and value, and their engagement can lead to better outcomes for both people and wildlife.
Community involvement can take many forms. For example, local volunteers could help to maintain green spaces along pathways, or school groups could be invited to plant wildflowers or build bird boxes. This approach not only benefits wildlife but also fosters a sense of ownership and pride in local green spaces.
Moreover, community input should be sought during the planning stages of new pedestrian pathways. This will ensure that the needs of local people are taken into account and that the new infrastructure is welcomed and utilised.
As the UK continues to urbanise, pedestrian pathways have the potential to play a significant role in supporting urban wildlife conservation. However, this will require a shift in the way they are designed, maintained, and planned. By adopting a more nature-led approach and involving local communities in the process, we can create urban spaces that are not only useful for human residents but also provide critical support for local biodiversity.
City councils and local authorities play an essential role in the planning and development of green infrastructure in urban areas. They have the power and resources to implement large-scale change, and their involvement is crucial for the success of urban greening initiatives.
In recent years, many councils across the UK have begun to recognise the importance of integrating green spaces into urban planning. Such initiatives often involve the creation of new parks, community gardens, and green corridors, as well as the enhancement of existing green spaces. However, pedestrian pathways are frequently overlooked, despite their potential to support biodiversity and provide ecosystem services.
City councils could better utilise pedestrian pathways by adopting nature-based solutions to urban planning. For example, they could establish 'green-blue' infrastructure that combines elements of both green (trees, shrubs, grass) and blue (rivers, ponds, rain gardens) environments. This approach can provide habitats for a diverse range of species, as well as helping to mitigate the effects of climate change by improving air quality and reducing urban heat.
Local authorities should also ensure that pedestrian pathways are maintained in a way that benefits wildlife. This could involve adopting a less manicured approach, such as allowing grass to grow longer or leaving deadwood to decay naturally. With long-term planning and commitment, pedestrian pathways can become valuable green spaces in their own right.
In line with the UK Government's 25 Year Environment Plan, there is a call for development to result in a 'net gain' for biodiversity. This means that any new construction or development should aim to leave the local environment in a better state than it was before. As part of the built environment, pedestrian pathways should be included in this objective.
In practice, this could mean designing new pathways to include green space for local biodiversity and enhancing existing ones with new plantings. Moreover, pathways should be planned to connect existing green spaces, creating a network of green corridors throughout the city.
City councils can also implement measures to ensure that pedestrian pathways continue to deliver a net gain for biodiversity in the long term. This could include regular monitoring and assessment of the ecological value of pathways, as well as the implementation of adaptive management strategies to improve their value for wildlife.
The integration of pedestrian pathways into urban green infrastructure represents a significant opportunity for enhancing urban biodiversity in the UK. Despite the challenges, with careful planning and a commitment to nature-based solutions, these pathways can become vital green corridors in our cities.
Local authorities and city councils have a crucial role to play in this process, by integrating pedestrian pathways into their urban greening strategies and implementing measures to ensure they provide a net gain for biodiversity. Moreover, involving local communities in the planning and maintenance of these spaces can lead to better outcomes for both people and wildlife.
As concerns about climate change and biodiversity loss continue to mount, the need for more green spaces in our cities has never been clearer. By reimagining the role and potential of pedestrian pathways, we can create urban areas that are not only more livable for human residents but also support the diverse species that call these places home. This is the pathway towards a greener, more sustainable future.