Recommendations

Identifying and valuing what we have

Local circumstances play a crucial role both when designing a new neighbourhood or when (re)designing green spaces in an existing neighbourhood. That is why it is important to carry out a proper assessment of the original situation: existing (landscape) elements, watercourses and riverbanks, old trees, road verges, corners of vegetation and public gardens, including the ecological quality. The analysis needs to cover the soil conditions, height differences, water management and – in the case of existing neighbourhood – the percentage of 'open soil': all types of (semi-)public green space, private green gardens, surface water, the presence of avenue trees, etc.

Ideally a city will have mapped out all its neighbourhoods on these points including the variation, and linked that data to data on flooding, nature in the city and the quality of the residential environment.

Use existing elements during design

A new neighbourhood may include parts of the old landscape. A neighbourhood gains character if old ditches are left in place (cultural history) and old trees are not felled. Special attention needs to be paid to areas of original soil (e.g. parks). Ecological riverbanks – which are excellent for biodiversity and water quality – do not always have to be created. In some cases proper management of existing riverbank vegetation can lead to a desirable riverbank which is rich in species.

Well thought-out design – green spaces have many functions

When creating urban green spaces it is a good idea to make maximum use of the various ecosystem services which can provide greenery. That makes investments more efficient. After all, this creates more value for people and nature and often enables costs savings.

Trees, vegetation, birds, bees, bats

Old trees in the city are scarce and most of them are younger than 40 years old. What
     is more, certain fast-growing sorts (poplars, white willow) do not always live to be 40
     (prone to being blown over). A lot of cities have developed policies to protect trees
     due to their scarcity. Old trees make a significant contribution to the character of the
     neighbourhood and are important for the quality of the living environment (cooling).

Public gardens and parks with structure (trees, bushes, herbs) and a varied
     composition offer an excellent environment for animals of all shapes and sizes.
     Varied herbal vegetation is important for insects that pollinate flowers, particularly
     wild bees (including bumblebees), butterflies and hoverflies. Nature-friendly
     riverbanks are excellent for water-based nature and water quality. A lot of birds nest in
     bushes.

Many of the popular trees and bushes have been introduced with some being
    'indigenous', despite having originated from, for example, southern Europe. Real
     Dutch trees and bushes are better 'adapted' to insects and other animals that live here.

If a neighbourhood provides a good habitat for birds, other animals and plants will
     also benefit. The book entitled 'City birds: building, experiencing, protecting'
    [Stadsvogels: bouwen, beleven, beschermen] by Netherlands Association for the
     Protection of Birds [Vogelbescherming Nederland] details how design can help in the
     context of four types of urban environment. In 'the stone city', 'the green city', the 'blue
     city' and the 'new city' it is not that difficult to create a good habitat for a whole range
     of species. In all cases this means the availability of food, shelter (security) and
     nesting opportunities.

Such information is available about bees and bats.

Together with residents

The Entente Florale Nederland refers to initiatives by residents as one of the five pillars of a vital, green city (in addition to recreation, health, economy and biodiversity, see www.vitalegroenestad.nl). The authorities cannot do it alone: without the actual involvement of residents in their neighbourhoods, all the lovely green plans will never become a reality or only through considerable effort, certainly now that many local authorities are having to cut costs. This applies to both new and existing neighbourhoods. Possible initiatives include a neighbourhood vegetable garden, a water playground, a urban farm, a maintenance team made up of people from the neighbourhood whose task is to take care of a public garden or park. If a green tradition is already established in a neighbourhood, this may also have an effect on whether the residents also practise green gardening.

Feature

Eva-Lanxmeer

In the neighbourhood of Eva-Lanxmeer in Culemborg green structures have been used in an unusual way since 1999 for a variety of functions: water management, preservation of archaeological soil archive, extraction of geothermal heat, protection of drinking water sources and the prevention of heat stress. Due to all these different functions the design is inspired by the soil and reflects their different origins as a consequence of river flows. The design takes account of all aspects with the active bringing together of current and future residents playing an important role.

PARK21

In the middle of the Haarlemmermeer area between Hoofddorp and Nieuw-Vennep, work is being carried out on a new 1000 hectare recreational green area named PARK21. The basis for the design is the existing landscape of waterways and ditches, fields and barnyards, with 'extended agriculture' being the main theme. A bathing lake is going to be created as well as sports facilities and, near the railway line and the A4 motorway, there are going to be attractions relating to Holland's (polder) history.