A recent study from the University of Exeter emphasizes the significance of community engagement in managing urban green spaces to combat the biodiversity crisis. The research, published on November 19, 2025, suggests that local governments can enhance biodiversity and public well-being by collaborating with residents to develop and maintain these areas.
Local councils across the UK face increasing demands to improve access to green spaces in urban environments. These enhancements are crucial not only for fostering biodiversity but also for advancing public health and economic opportunities. The study highlights how effective stewardship of urban green areas can lead to benefits such as reduced flooding and improved community health.
Strategies for Effective Stewardship
According to the research, local governments must adopt a collaborative approach when planning urban green spaces. Fay Kahane from the University of Exeter stated, “To achieve effective stewardship, it is critical that local governments plan collaboratively with communities. Stewardship needs to reflect local values, whether that’s well-tended flowerbeds or wilder, biodiverse spaces.”
The study identifies five key conditions that influence the success of stewardship efforts:
1. **Neighborhood capacity** – This includes factors such as deprivation levels and the presence of volunteer gardening groups.
2. **Landscape quality** – Elements like mature trees, heritage features, and scenic views contribute to the overall appeal of green spaces.
3. **Resident/government relations** – The history of interactions between local authorities and residents plays a crucial role.
4. **Sense of place** – The emotional connections individuals have with their local green areas significantly affect their engagement.
5. **Financial input** – The costs associated with enhancing green spaces are a critical factor in successful management.
The study also addresses shifting attitudes toward urban nature, recognizing that visible maintenance, such as regular mowing and allowing areas for longer grass, can help restore biodiversity while enhancing community pride.
Community Engagement and Research Insights
Councilor Loic Rich, responsible for Environment and Climate Change at Cornwall Council, remarked, “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.”
The research was conducted across 25 publicly accessible green spaces in nine Cornish towns, employing a rigorous Qualitative Comparative Analysis (QCA). This method combined on-site interviews, online research, and biodiversity assessments to evaluate each site’s management, community involvement, and social and biodiversity benefits.
Volunteer initiatives play a pivotal role in enhancing these spaces. Karen Hall established volunteer gardening sessions at the Beacon site in Falmouth. She explained, “Funding for open space management is often limited, and I wanted to ensure this magnificent space and the valuable plants in it were kept managed, so I decided to set up the monthly volunteer sessions.”
Hall expressed that these efforts have not only preserved the plants but also fostered community connections, stating, “I’m extremely pleased these sessions have enhanced the Beacon, brought a smile to so many faces, and protected micro-habitats for the fauna of Falmouth.”
This research provides a roadmap for local governments aiming to future-proof urban green space planning through sustained investment, community involvement, and sensitivity to local context. The findings underline the critical importance of local knowledge and community-driven initiatives in addressing the biodiversity crisis effectively.
For more information, the study is published in People and Nature and can be accessed via DOI: 10.1002/pan3.70194.
