Local Communities Boost Biodiversity Through Green Space Management

A recent study from the University of Exeter emphasizes the importance of community engagement in managing urban green spaces to address the ongoing biodiversity crisis. Published on November 19, 2025, in the journal People and Nature, the research suggests that local governments can significantly enhance biodiversity and improve public well-being by collaborating with residents to understand their values and needs regarding green areas.

As urban councils in the UK face increasing pressure to expand publicly accessible green spaces, the study highlights effective management strategies that not only promote biodiversity but also mitigate flooding, enhance public health, and create economic opportunities. The research provides a framework for local authorities to foster long-term stewardship of both new and existing urban green areas.

Collaborative Planning for Effective Stewardship

Fay Kahane from the University of Exeter noted that successful stewardship hinges on a collaborative approach between local governments and communities. “To achieve effective stewardship of urban green spaces, it’s critical local governments plan collaboratively with communities,” she stated. The study finds that stewardship must reflect local preferences, whether residents favor well-maintained flowerbeds or wilder, more biodiverse areas.

The research indicates that there are potential “easy wins” by focusing on sites that already have active gardening groups. However, it also emphasizes that in economically deprived neighborhoods, financial investment becomes essential. Local councils need to engage specialists, such as ecologists and facilitators, to navigate diverse local perspectives and create vibrant green spaces that contribute to community well-being.

Kahane further explained that “our findings offer a roadmap for local governments to future-proof urban green space planning through ongoing investment, community involvement, and sensitivity to local context.”

Key Conditions for Successful Green Space Management

The study identifies five critical social and ecological conditions that influence successful green space stewardship:

1. **Neighborhood capacity** – Assessing levels of deprivation and the presence of volunteer gardening groups.
2. **Landscape quality** – Considering features such as mature trees and scenic views.
3. **Resident/government relations** – Addressing any historical tensions between the community and local authorities.
4. **Sense of place** – Acknowledging the emotional connections residents have with their local green spaces.
5. **Financial input** – Evaluating the costs associated with enhancing these spaces.

Additionally, the research discusses changing perceptions of urban nature, advocating for a balance between “tidy” and “messy” landscapes. It suggests that maintaining “cues to care,” such as regular mowing of path edges while allowing areas of longer grass, can encourage biodiversity and strengthen community pride.

Councilor Loic Rich, who oversees Environment and Climate Change at Cornwall Council, commented on the significance of the study. “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 said. He emphasized the importance of close collaboration with residents to ensure the creation of biodiverse and resilient spaces that benefit both nature and community health.

The research involved a comprehensive analysis across 25 publicly accessible green spaces in nine towns in Cornwall. Utilizing a rigorous method known as Qualitative Comparative Analysis (QCA), researchers conducted on-site interviews, online research, and biodiversity assessments to evaluate each site based on management practices, community engagement, inclusivity, and the social and biodiversity gains achieved.

Karen Hall, who initiated 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 space and the valuable plants in it were properly maintained,” she explained. Her initiative has not only preserved the plants but has also fostered community interaction, with many participants expressing gratitude for the work done.

The findings from this study provide actionable insights for local governments aiming to enhance urban green spaces, underscoring the vital role of community involvement in addressing the biodiversity crisis. By investing in collaborative management strategies, councils can cultivate resilient urban environments that support both ecological health and community well-being.

For further details, refer to the original study: “Enabling effective urban green space stewardship through planning: a Qualitative Comparative Analysis in Southwest England,” published in People and Nature (2025). DOI: 10.1002/pan3.70194.