Local Engagement Key to Tackling Biodiversity Crisis, Study Finds

Local communities play a crucial role in managing green spaces, according to a recent study from the University of Exeter. Published on November 19, 2025, the research highlights that effective engagement with communities can significantly address the ongoing biodiversity crisis. As local councils in the UK face increasing pressure to enhance publicly accessible green spaces, this study outlines strategies for fostering biodiversity while promoting public well-being.

The research emphasizes that stewardship of urban green spaces not only improves biodiversity but also has positive impacts on flood reduction, public health, and local economies. The findings, detailed in the journal People and Nature, provide a framework for councils to develop long-term stewardship strategies for both existing and new green areas.

Collaborative Planning for Effective Stewardship

Fay Kahane, a researcher at the University of Exeter, asserts that successful management of urban green spaces requires collaboration between local governments and the communities they serve. “To achieve effective stewardship, it’s critical that local governments plan collaboratively with communities,” she stated. The study suggests that stewardship strategies should reflect local values, balancing well-maintained flowerbeds with wilder, biodiverse areas.

The research identifies potential quick wins, particularly in neighborhoods with active gardening groups. In areas facing economic challenges, the study stresses the importance of financial investment. Local councils may benefit from engaging specialists, such as ecologists, to better understand diverse community perspectives and create engaging, biodiverse spaces that enhance well-being.

Key Conditions for Successful Stewardship

The study outlines five key factors that influence the success of green space stewardship:

1. **Neighborhood capacity**: This includes levels of deprivation and the presence of volunteer gardening groups.
2. **Landscape quality**: Features such as mature trees, heritage elements, and scenic views are crucial.
3. **Resident/government relations**: Historical tensions can affect current stewardship efforts.
4. **Sense of place**: Emotional connections that residents have with local green spaces play a significant role.
5. **Financial input**: The costs associated with enhancing green spaces are a key consideration.

Furthermore, the research notes a shift in public attitudes regarding “tidy” versus “messy” urban nature. Visible care practices, like regular mowing along pathways while leaving areas of longer grass, can promote biodiversity and foster community pride.

Councilor Loic Rich, who oversees Environment and Climate Change at Cornwall Council, emphasized the importance of community involvement. He 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 prioritizing collaboration and investment, councils can develop resilient spaces that support both nature and community well-being.

The study was conducted across 25 publicly accessible green spaces in nine towns in Cornwall. Employing a rigorous Qualitative Comparative Analysis (QCA), researchers conducted on-site interviews and biodiversity assessments to evaluate each site’s management, community action, inclusivity, and social and biodiversity gains.

Karen Hall, a local volunteer who initiated 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 its valuable plants were maintained,” she explained. Hall’s monthly volunteer sessions have not only preserved the plants but also fostered connections within the community, enhancing local biodiversity and well-being.

The findings from this study provide a roadmap for local governments aiming to future-proof urban green space planning. By emphasizing ongoing investment, community involvement, and sensitivity to local contexts, councils can effectively address the biodiversity crisis while improving the quality of life for residents.

For further details, see the original study: “Enabling effective urban green space stewardship through planning: a Qualitative Comparative Analysis in Southwest England,” published in People and Nature.