Green Infrastructure Strategy Delivery Plan 2024 to 2030
Introduction and abbreviations
What is this document?
This is the Delivery Plan to accompany the Green Infrastructure Strategy which was adopted by Southampton City Council in January 2024.
Red/amber/green status (RAG)
- Red (R) – funding needed
- Amber (A) – not in progress, funding may/may not be required
- Green (G) – in progress
Abbreviations
- GI – green and blue infrastructure
- SNPC – Southampton National Park City
- SNHS – Southampton Natural History Society
- HIWWT – Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust
- HCC – Hampshire County Council
- ARC – Amphibian and Reptile Conservation
- PTES – People’s Trust for Endangered Species
- Uos – University of Southampton
- BNG – Biodiversity Net Gain
- CIL – Community Infrastructure Levy
- SINC – Site of Importance for Nature Conservation
- SuDS – Sustainable urban drainage system
- BAP - Biodiversity Action Plan
- RAMS – Risk Assessment Method Statement
- AQMA – Air Quality Management Area
- EA – Environment Agency
- SW – Southern Water
Author
Samantha Munslow (Ecologist, Natural Environment Team).
Theme 1: create and extend the GI
Objective 1: Secure resources for new and improved GI
| Reference | Project/activity | Funding needed (Y/N) | RAG | Start date | End date | Suggested partners |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
1.1.1 |
Develop a “grant ready” project list and a funding plan, identify and prioritise projects needed to extend and connect the green and blue infrastructure (GI) across the city to form a network, a green grid. |
Y |
R |
2025 |
2030 |
- |
|
1.1.2 |
Actively seek and apply for grant funding through all available funding routes and providers e.g. Land tax credits, heritage lottery, Veolia Environmental Trust |
N |
G |
2024 |
2030 |
- |
|
1.1.3 |
Work with Hampshire County Council (HCC) to map elements of the Green Grid within the Hampshire Local Nature Recovery Strategy (LNRS) |
Y |
G |
2024 |
2025 |
HCC |
|
1.1.4 |
Agree nature recovery priorities for Southampton |
N |
A |
2024 |
2025 |
- |
|
1.1.5 |
Identify opportunities for off-site Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) delivery on council land |
Y |
A |
2024 |
2030 |
- |
|
1.1.6 |
Maintain and improve GI along roads (ie. verge management), embed GI in transport schemes (aiming for no less than 10% increase in GI) |
N |
A |
2024 |
2030 |
- |
|
1.1.7 |
Investigate other sources of “green funding” such as CIL money, S106 and BNG contributions and Countryside Stewardship |
N |
A |
2024 |
2030 |
- |
|
1.1.8 |
Identify ways of increasing well-designed GI via planning conditions |
N |
A |
2025 |
2030 |
- |
Theme 2: improve and enhance GI
Objective 2.1: Ensure all residents are within 5 minutes’ walk of a green space
| Reference | Project/activity | Funding needed (Y/N) | RAG | Start date | End date | Suggested partners |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
2.1.1 |
Establish criteria of what constitutes a green space (size, quality, benefits it provides) and ensure planning policy includes the requirement for development to contribute to the delivery of additional greenspace |
N |
A |
2026 |
2030 |
- |
|
2.1.2 |
Map existing GI – where it is and what it is (linked to Natural Capital Assessment work) |
Y |
A |
2025 |
2026 |
HCC (Local Nature Recovery Strategy) |
|
2.1.3 |
Establish where additional GI is needed to ensure people are within a 5-minute walk of green space |
N |
A |
2025 |
2025 |
Physical Activity Alliance |
|
2.1.4 |
Prioritise GI links to reduce inequalities in opportunities for active travel and healthy lifestyle |
N |
A |
2025 |
2030 |
SNPC |
|
2.1.5 |
Increase our understanding of why disadvantaged communities don’t use local green spaces |
Y |
A |
2025 |
2026 |
UoS |
|
2.1.6 |
Trial a parklet and/or mobile green space |
Y |
R |
2025 |
2025 |
SNPC |
|
2.1.7 |
Assist with HELP agreement process. Review success of areas “taken on” by residents via HELP agreements (ie. planters) |
N |
G |
2024 |
2030 |
SNPC |
|
2.1.8 |
Work with Southampton National Park City (SNPC) to achieve National Park City status by 2025 |
N |
G |
2024 |
2025 |
SNPC |
|
2.1.9 |
Identify projects and delivery mechanisms that SNPC can help with (including people and funding) to enhance and connect GI |
N |
G |
2024 |
2030 |
SNPC |
Objective 2.2: Increase LNR provision
| Reference | Project/activity | Funding needed (Y/N) | RAG | Start date | End date | Suggested partners |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
2.2.1 |
Identify and designate additional Local Nature Reserves (LNR), aiming to achieve the recommended standard of 1ha of LNR per 1,000 population |
N |
G |
2024 |
2030 |
SNPC, SNHS |
Objective 2.3: Ensure our green spaces are of good quality and accessible to all
| Reference | Project/activity | Funding needed (Y/N) | RAG | Start date | End date | Suggested partners |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
2.3.1 |
Our parks and greenways will be regularly audited against Green Flag Management Criteria and will be managed appropriately to provide safe, good quality and accessible green spaces for all |
N |
G |
2024 |
2030 |
- |
|
2.3.2 |
Continue to regularly audit parks to record existing conditions/facilities/ infrastructure and created costed action plans to ensure continued accessibility and safety |
N |
G |
2024 |
2030 |
- |
|
2.3.3 |
Carry out regular biodiversity audits of our greenways and SINCs to record habitat composition and condition. We will monitor and record the effects of ongoing habitat management |
N |
G |
2024 |
2030 |
- |
|
2.3.4 |
As part of greenway auditing, we will produce an up to date inventory of all works needed, with costs, so projects are “grant ready” as funding opportunities arise |
N |
A |
2024 |
2030 |
- |
|
2.3.5 |
Ensure all our signage/furniture follows the SCC standard palette, so our green spaces are easily identifiable as being council managed spaces |
Y |
G |
2024 |
2030 |
- |
|
2.3.6 |
Increase the amount and improve the quality of interpretation signage and waymarkers |
Y |
R |
2024 |
2030 |
- |
|
2.3.7 |
Revisit our guidance on respecting our green spaces, including the greenways and the Common, encouraging a sense of “ownership” and respect for local spaces |
N |
A |
2025 |
2025 |
- |
|
2.3.8 |
Develop information on the accessibility of blue and green spaces, with routes to show walking/cycling/public transport – enhanced Sat Nav mapping opportunities to walk through green/blue routes. Integrate and audit SoMap to reflect walking / cycling routes on leisure layers etc. |
Y |
R |
2025 |
2030 |
Go Jauntly, Physical Activity Alliance |
|
2.3.9 |
Promote our parks and greenways on our website and ensure all relevant information (ie. access, facilities, volunteering opportunities and events) is included and kept up to date |
N |
G |
2024 |
2030 |
- |
|
2.3.10 |
Develop a SCC webpage for all things relating to “greening the city”, explaining how everyone can play their part and contribute, irrespective of size of area. Review and update contents on SCC Green City and Parks web pages |
N |
A |
2024 |
2030 |
SNPC, HIWWT |
|
2.3.11 |
Develop annual events and activities calendar to encourage use of greenspaces, promote “greening” ideas |
N |
A |
2025 |
2030 |
SNPC, HIWWT, Physical Activity Alliance |
|
2.3.12 |
Continue to work with schools across the city to encourage and help them to become Eco Schools and/or as biodiverse / sustainable as possible / involvement in Citizen Science projects |
N |
G |
2024 |
2030 |
Friends Groups |
|
2.3.13 |
Develop communication about importance of GI (including health risks associated with a lack of GI and the benefits of increasing its provision). Encourage all city users to have more GI on their land (eg. residents/ businesses/places of worship) |
N |
A |
2025 |
2030 |
Energize Me |
|
2.3.14 |
Continue to support and work with existing Friends groups (ie. grant application assistance and training) and encourage and help new groups to become established |
Y |
G |
2024 |
2030 |
SNPC, Friends Groups |
|
2.3.15 |
Develop a Young Ranger group of volunteers |
N |
G |
2024 |
2025 |
Barton Peveril College |
|
2.3.16 |
Continue to develop a team of volunteers to help deliver actions in the GI and Biodiversity Strategies. Record and monitor the work carried out |
N |
G |
2024 |
2030 |
- |
Objective 2.4: Improve biodiversity
| Reference | Project/activity | Funding needed (Y/N) | RAG | Start date | End date | Suggested partners |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
2.4.1 |
Implement our Biodiversity Strategy via an updated Southampton Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP) |
N |
A |
2025 |
2030 |
SNPC, HIWWT, SNHS, Regional/ Local Conservation Groups (Ie. ARC, PTES, Hants Swifts) |
Objective 2.5: Climate Change Adaptation
| Reference | Project/activity | Funding needed (Y/N) | RAG | Start date | End date | Suggested partners |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
2.5.1 |
Implement SCC Climate Change Strategy |
Y |
G |
2024 |
2030 |
- |
|
2.5.2 |
Identify buildings where GI can be retrofitted, especially those close to roads/within Air Quality Management Areas (AQMA’s) |
N |
A |
2025 |
2030 |
- |
|
2.5.3 |
Safeguard climate change adaptation land from sale |
N |
A |
2024 |
2030 |
- |
|
2.5.4 |
Identify land with capacity to provide additional climate change adaptation measures (ie. rain gardens, SuDS, underground rainwater holding tanks) |
N |
A |
2025 |
2030 |
- |
|
2.5.5 |
All future development applications and transport schemes will use Green Space Factor tool to achieve greening targets and will also deliver no less than 10% BNG |
N |
G |
2024 |
2030 |
- |
|
2.5.6 |
All development will include well designed GI to deliver climate change adaptation |
N |
A |
2024 |
2030 |
- |
|
2.5.7 |
Increase tree planting (focusing on areas where most needed for shading/water interception/AQ/public health), using appropriate species |
Y |
R |
2024 |
2030 |
- |
|
2.5.8 |
Introduce community street tree projects |
Y |
R |
2026 |
2030 |
SNPC |
|
2.5.9 |
Review current land management practices adjacent to water courses and identify opportunities for increasing water interception capacity |
N |
A |
2024 |
2030 |
- |
|
2.5.10 |
Ensure SuDS are incorporated into new development, including highways and transport schemes |
N |
A |
2024 |
2030 |
- |
Theme 3: Protecting our assets
Objective 3.1: Protect GI from inappropriate development
| Reference | Project/activity | Funding needed (Y/N) | RAG | Start date | End date | Suggested partners |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
3.1.1 |
Continue to work formally with existing partners to ensure SCC are working in collaboration with/are aware of all relevant projects/plans across the city who/which could help with delivery of this plan |
N |
A |
2024 |
2030 |
To be developed – ie. EA, SW, Southampton Airport, Ports Authority, relevant land owners |
|
3.1.2 |
Planning policies, designed to protect GI, will be included in the new Local Plan (Southampton City Vision). The Green Grid (GG) strategic map will also be included and relevant elements of the Local Nature Recovery Strategy |
N |
A |
2025 |
2026 |
- |
|
3.1.3 |
Prepare a GI Technical Note, setting out requirements for the protection and enhancement of the GG, to act as supplementary technical guidance to the GI protection policies in the new Local Plan (citing best practice guidance such as NE GI Frameworks Principles and Building with Nature) |
N |
A |
2025 |
2026 |
- |
|
3.1.4 |
Review our planning policy in relation to dropped kerbs with a view to reducing loss of verges and front gardens |
N |
A |
2025 |
2026 |
- |
|
3.1.5 |
Develop and implement a Pesticide Policy, reducing our use of pesticides and herbicides wherever possible, including designing out the need for pesticides. The policy must be adopted into highways schemes and new development and landscape designs |
Y |
R |
2025 |
2025 |
- |
|
3.1.6 |
Develop and implement planning policy in relation to trees, ensuring right tree right place and “2 for 1” tree replacement, this policy will be included in the new Local Plan and will be supported by a Trees Technical Note to provide guidance for developers |
N |
A |
2025 |
2025 |
- |
|
3.1.7 |
Review and update the council’s Design and Planting Principles documents (for internal adoption) to ensure green spaces are well designed and contain appropriate species of trees and plants |
N |
A |
2025 |
2026 |
- |
Objective 3.2: Protect GI through appropriate management
| Reference | Project/activity | Funding needed (Y/N) | RAG | Start date | End date | Suggested partners |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
3.2.1 |
Work towards ensuring all SCC owned components of the GG receive appropriate habitat management to bring them up to favourable conservation status |
N |
G |
2024 |
2030 |
- |
|
3.2.2 |
Continue to roll out internal biodiversity/wildlife related staff training to ensure all relevant teams are trained in GI management and have appropriate level of awareness of protected species/habitat legislation. Include wildlife legislation training in all staff inductions |
N |
G |
2024 |
2025 |
- |
|
3.2.3 |
Continue to deliver tool-box talks and provide on-site supervision for council work. Continue to encourage collaborative cross-council working and to ensure good practice in GI management/legal species protection is adhered to within the council’s day-to-day activities |
N |
G |
2024 |
2025 |
- |
|
3.2.4 |
Develop and roll out biodiversity training for SCC sub-contractors. Ecological input into Risk Assessment Method Statement (RAMS) at design stage for SCC projects |
N |
G |
2024 |
2025 |
- |
|
3.2.5 |
Involve Ecology and Sustainability Teams at tender stage to ensure supply chain and sub-contractors have correct credentials to work on SCC projects. Develop a standard set of quality questions to be used in all appropriate market exercises. Develop a new milestone sign off for project delivery plans, and sub £25k spends |
N |
A |
2025 |
2025 |
- |
|
3.2.6 |
Form network of Biodiversity Champions across relevant services to raise awareness of importance of GI and encourage collaborative working within the council, helping to deliver our Biodiversity Duty and ensure we adhere to wildlife legislation |
Y |
G |
2024 |
2025 |
- |
|
3.2.7 |
Undertake research to establish the Ecosystem Services benefits of ornamental species /cultivars. Use information to feed into planting plans and policy |
N |
A |
2025 |
2027 |
UoS |
|
3.2.8 |
Explore appropriate machinery to undertake correct management of more biodiverse green spaces (ie. cut and collect machinery, reciprocating cutting head) |
Y |
A |
2024 |
2026 |
- |
|
3.2.9 |
Ensure all relevant teams are trained in GI management to benefit wildlife/people and in the use of new GI management equipment |
N |
A |
2024 |
2030 |
- |
|
3.2.10 |
Ensure management prescriptions are correct for all our semi-natural greenspaces; management plans are in place and information accurately recorded on SoMap (ie. grassland mowing regimes, hedgerow/woodland management, greenways, SINCs, SSSI’s) |
N |
G |
2024 |
2025 |
- |
|
3.2.11 |
Ensure all parks and greenways have Green Flag management plans and appropriate access/infrastructure/facilities |
Y |
G |
2024 |
2030 |
SNPC |
|
3.2.12 |
Protect, preserve and promote the River Itchen |
Y |
G |
2024 |
2030 |
EA, SW, River Itchen Forum |
Objective 3.3: Develop an understanding of the financial value of GI
| Reference | Project/activity | Funding needed (Y/N) | RAG | Start date | End date | Suggested partners |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
3.3.1 |
Develop a Natural Capital Register and Ecosystem Services List. Undertake a Natural Capital Assessment |
Y |
A |
2025 |
2026 |
- |
|
3.3.2 |
Create a Natural Capital Plan based on protecting current Ecosystem Services provision and creation of enhanced level of protection |
Y |
A |
2026 |
2027 |
- |
|
3.3.3 |
Use results of Natural Capital Assessment to create business case to attract investment in GI (ie. cost of management/cost of extending and improving GI) |
Y |
A |
2026 |
2027 |
- |
|
3.3.4 |
Undertake research into how Ecosystem Services delivery will be impacted by climate changes and population increases |
N |
A |
2026 |
2030 |
UoS |
|
3.3.5 |
Identify opportunities to employ Ecosystem Services to deliver benefits such as carbon offsetting |
N |
A |
2026 |
2030 |
UoS |
|
3.3.6 |
Monitor the benefits to biodiversity of existing and new GI |
N |
A |
2026 |
2030 |
UoS |
|
3.3.7 |
Undertake local market research to establish if businesses find it more desirable to be located near to green spaces/green routes |
N |
A |
2025 |
2025 |
UoS |
|
3.3.8 |
Establish whether local businesses will sponsor/help fund existing/additional GI (including parklets) |
Y |
R |
2025 |
2026 |
- |