Urban vegetation and the drivers for change: a case study of Runcorn, UK

Wallbank, NJ; James, P

Abstract

Incorporating green areas into urban environments can aid sustainability and enhance the quality of life for those living and working in urban areas. The objective of this research is to examine the relationship between vegetation and its role within urban environments and to consider the external forces that are likely to cause change. This work will inform land owners within Runcorn with respect to future management strategies to circa 2060. Existing topography and vegetation complemented by large scale landscaping and tree planting guided the development of Runcorn, a town in northwest England. As a result, there is, within Runcorn, a comprehensive open space system comprising playing fields, parks, woodlands and greenways. These areas form vegetative frameworks which were planted across the town at the same time and using just one species prescription. The trees within these vegetated areas have reached maturity and questions are being asked about their future. In this paper the results of botanical surveys conducted within the town are presented. Species lists and abundance readings have been used to assess the impacts of predicted climate change. The authors discuss current management practices amongst landowners within Runcorn. Findings on floral composition and diversity demonstrate the variations present within the planting. This suggests that external forces are driving change amongst the vegetation within Runcorn. The paper concludes with a description of future work that will measure the existing ecosystem services attributed to Runcorn’s greenspaces.

• Presentation Conference Type: Other
• Conference Name: COBRA 2010
• End Date: Sep 3, 2010
• Deposit Date: Sep 9, 2010
• Publicly Available Date: Apr 5, 2016
• Additional Information: Event Type : Conference