Local Communities Empower Biodiversity Through Green Space Management

A recent study from the University of Exeter highlights the potential of local communities managing green spaces as a solution to the ongoing biodiversity crisis. Published in the journal People and Nature on November 19, 2025, the research emphasizes that effective stewardship of urban green areas can significantly enhance biodiversity while also benefiting public well-being.

Local councils in the UK are increasingly pressured to expand publicly accessible green spaces, which play a crucial role in not only supporting biodiversity but also in alleviating issues such as urban flooding and promoting health. The study outlines strategic recommendations for councils looking to implement long-term management plans for both new and existing urban green spaces.

Fay Kahane of the University of Exeter stated, “To achieve effective stewardship of urban green spaces, it is critical that local governments plan collaboratively with communities. Stewardship must reflect local values, whether that means well-tended flowerbeds or wilder, biodiverse spaces.”

During the research, the team identified achievable targets, such as engaging with existing gardening groups. In more deprived areas, however, they noted that financial investment becomes essential. Council-funded specialists like ecologists are necessary to grasp diverse local perspectives and create vibrant, manageable green spaces that enhance community well-being.

Key Findings on Stewardship Conditions

The study identifies five key conditions influencing successful stewardship of urban green spaces:

1. **Neighborhood capacity**: This includes levels of deprivation and the presence of volunteer gardening groups.
2. **Landscape quality**: Features such as mature trees and scenic views contribute significantly.
3. **Resident/government relations**: Historical tensions can impact the effectiveness of management efforts.
4. **Sense of place**: The emotional connections people have with their local green spaces.
5. **Financial input**: The costs associated with enhancing green spaces.

The research also suggests evolving attitudes towards urban nature, highlighting that while maintaining tidy spaces is important, allowing for areas with longer grass can help restore biodiversity and foster community pride.

Community Engagement and Research Insights

Loic Rich, a cabinet member responsible for Environment and Climate Change at Cornwall Council, commented, “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.” He emphasized that close collaboration with residents and investment in ongoing stewardship can lead to the creation of biodiverse, resilient spaces that support both nature and public health.

The study analyzed 25 publicly accessible green spaces across nine towns in Cornwall. Using a rigorous method known as Qualitative Comparative Analysis (QCA), researchers combined on-site interviews, online research, and biodiversity assessments to evaluate each site based on management effectiveness, community involvement, and social as well as biodiversity gains.

Karen Hall, who organized volunteer gardening sessions at the Beacon site in Falmouth, shared her experience: “Funding for open space management is often limited, and I wanted to ensure this magnificent area and its valuable plants were well-maintained, so I decided to set up monthly volunteer sessions.” She highlighted the rewarding nature of the initiative, stating that it not only helped preserve the plants but also fostered community connections.

The findings from this research serve as a roadmap for local governments aiming to enhance urban green space planning through continuous investment and community involvement, tailored to the unique contexts of their neighborhoods.

For more information, refer to the study titled “Enabling effective urban green space stewardship through planning: a Qualitative Comparative Analysis in Southwest England,” published in People and Nature. The DOI for the study is 10.1002/pan3.70194.