Meanwood Links

George Nikolaos Payiatis

From Grey to GreenWeaving a green network into the heart of Leeds.

George Nikoalos Payiatis Cities Alive, MA Urban Design Leeds Beckett University

George Nikolaos Payiatis Cities Alive: From Grey to Green

Contents

Introduction: Why we need to build greener cities. pg.5-9.

Area Analysis: Understanding the issue. pg.11-17

Bibliography and Sources

Design: A Vision for a Greener Future. pg. 19

Grove Lane Park. pg. 20-22

Edible Terraces. pg.22-25

Highbury Wetland. pg.26-31

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Cities Alive: From Grey to GreenGeorge Nikolaos Payiatis

Introduction: Why we need to build greener cities.

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Cities Alive: From Grey to Green

Introduction:

As the world becomes increasingly urbanized we face a series of problems as a result of this, namely urban overcrowding, pollution, global warming, socio-economic disparity, natural disasters and resource depletion. Cities Alive is a visionary publication by the engineering firm ARUP (2014) collates a wide range of research and highlights the ways we can manage this growth and successfully tackle these issues in an environmentally conscious manner by building with nature and provides the main inspiration for this project.

The report comprehensively advocates the importance of green infrastructure and the central role it will play in shaping a sustainable future of our urban spaces and environments. Green infrastructure encompasses a myriad of features (Fig 1). It can be defined as 'open spaces, natural areas, urban woodlands and parks; green streets, squares and public realm, sustainable drainage systems and healthy waterways, cycle-ways and pedestrian routes with our city environments; and small scale green roofs, walls and facades' (Cites Alive 2014 pg.151).

Taking contemporary academic studies into the importance of building green cities as a springboard this project seeks to explore the manner in which these concepts can be put into action within Leeds and create an integrated strategy for the creation of a green network a cohesive and continuous green link. The central aims are to:

1.To improve existing green spaces and integrate new features to create a continuous green route-way into the city.

2. To provide quality access to well designed, multi-purpose green spaces and allow residents to reconnect with nature

3. Increase community cohesion through participation in urban agriculture projects.

4. Encourage physical activity among local residents.

5.Provide opportunities for the use of non vehicular transport.

6.Bring underused and undervalued land into productive use.

Cities AliveCreating Greener CitiesEmerging Theory Fig 1: Green infrastructure comes in a variety of shapes and sizes (ARUP 2014 pg.9)

Fig 2: Green infrastructure: Global examples

Fig 2a: Drainage swale, Taipei, Taiwan Fig 2b: Urban wetland, Haerbin, China Fig 2c: Urban waterways, Seoul, South Korea

Fig 2d: Urban agriculture, Hong Kong. Fig 2e: Green transport network, Nantes, France Fig 2f: Green wall, Tokyo, Japan

Intended outcomes


Nature is the key driver of change it will create healthier, more socially cohesive, bio-diverse urban environments and a connected city ecosystem for people and wildlife. (Cities Alive 2014 pg.9)

Work by Arup (2014) and Bohn and Vijeon (2005) emphasize that we must reconceptualise the way we approach the design of cities. Green concerns should not be an 'add' on once a project is completed but must be integrated from the start of the development process. The following five requirements outline key guiding principles to create greener, more sustainable cities.

1. We need to recognise urban green as more than an aesthetic consideration it is a fundamental part of an urban ecosystem which improves social interaction and physical and mental health

2. We must make landscapes work harder, for multiple end-users and to improve climate change resilience, through a multi-functional design approach

3. Design creativity is needed to deliver a green city ecosystem 'from both city-wide strategic projects down to more imaginative uses of space within the layers of a city'

4. By capitalising on advances in technology to measure the value that nature delivers through ecosystems services, we can optimise the planning and design of urban space to meet future demands

5. We need an integrated approach to delivery that better links and connects policy to achieve long term benefits.

(Adapted from Cities Alive 2014)

This design concept developed by Katrin Bohn and Andre Viljoen which seeks to create an interlinked network of productive green infrastructure. The central focus of this notion is the re-integration of multi-functional networks comprised of open spaces and urban agriculture into the city to achieve an urban 'green spine' which they have termed a 'continuous productive urban landscape' (CPUL).

Through CPULs we can move towards an ecologically and socially sustainable city as they impact qualitatively in terms of positive experiences for residents and quantifiably in reduced environmental impacts (Bohn and Viljoen 2005)

This idea is garnering increasing public attention in the U.K. and throughout Europe and becoming prominent among local councils and design professionals . The implementation of these ideas can be seen in Middlesbrough and Todmorden two of the first food growing towns in Europe and London s Green Grid plan

1.Urban agriculture and food production (of various scales).2. Natural habitats and ecological corridors.3. Open outdoor spaces for recreation, leisure and commercial activity.4. Green 'routes' for non-vehicular means of transportation.5. Maintenance and enhancement of existing green spaces and the creation of new productive landscapes.

(Adapted from Bohn and Viljeon 2011)

The Five Key Requirements for Design of Cities.

Cities AliveCreating Greener CitiesEmerging Theory

Continuous Productive Urban Landscape (CPUL)

Key components of a CPUL network:

Fig 4a: CPUL concept: Incorporating food production into the cities fabric.

Fig 4b: Green Route, Incredible edible, Todmorden.

Fig 4c: Pollination street ,Todmorden Fig 4d: Street planting ,Todmorden

Fig : Key texts

Cities Alive: From Grey to Green

Faci

litates

local food production

Pro

mot

es p

hysica

l activity and green transport

Impro

ved connectivity

Cities AliveProject DriverCreating Greener Cities

The development of urban green infrastructure is the central component driving this project. It is a key design concept to create more sustainable cities. The benefits are numerous and interrelated and encompass a number of factors. Through the design of multi-functional spaces which have these concepts at their core it is hoped we can create an improved city, one which addresses social, economic and environmental needs and creates sustainable cities for the benefits of residents and nature.

Boosts biodiversity

Mitiga

tes flood risk

Urb

an gr

eening and increased open space

S

ustain

able development

Dec

reased emission levels

Enh

ances

social cohesion

Incre

ased mental wellbeing

Red

uced congestion

B

oosts land values

Benefits of creating Greener cities

Fig :Increasing green infrastructure enhances the city environmentally, socially and economically and provides a sustainable means of development.


Cities AliveProject DriversCreating Healthier CitiesThe priority for development in Leeds must be to create a network of easily accessible, high quality public green spaces. More direct and well connected parks to motivate local residents, young and old to use green spaces for frequently (RIBA 2013). Recent national research by Riba (2013) identifies green spaces as a key means of building healthier cities and by investing money in green spaces we reduces future costs of health care. We need to develop more attractive, safer green spaces and route-ways. Ensuring sites are developed in this manner, with the well-being of it's residents and it's environment at their heart will go toward meeting the councils plans to build a more sustainable and healthier city making Leeds a better place to live now, and in the future (RIBA 2013).

Fig : Leeds Healthy Living Survey Responses (RIBA 2013 pg.39)

Fig : Green space can play a key role in improving our health (RIBA 2013 pg.3)

Green spaces in whatever form, represent the greatest investment for the increase of social capital (Cities Alive 2014 pg 42)

11Cities Alive: From Grey to GreenGeorge Nikolaos Payiatis

Area AnalysisUnderstanding the issue

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The CPUL is an open urban space where intensive urban agriculture and convivial outdoor places for residents compliment each other and are designed and built into a coherent infrastructural landscape

(Bohn and Viljoen 2011 pg.151)


Cities AliveCreating Greener CitiesDesign concept

Project overview

The Green link here is virtually non existant. How can we change this?

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B

C

Fig : The vision for the development of Meanwood's green links strategy comprises of three proposals.

A: Linear ParkB: Greening the Terraces.C: Wetland and Community Garden

The sites identified here are the sites which most require improvement and enhancement of green infrastructure to bring them into productive use. This project will propose appropriate forms of development and action each site demands in order to integrate them into a CPUL. This will be through a combination of methods but the key aim here is to create a high quality public realm, a space for the enjoyment of nature which simultaneously benefits the local population and the environment.

restorationnetwork

cropsECOLOGY

greenproduction

enjoyment

resilienceconnection

biodiversityecosystem

LEEDS

healthsustainability

FOODeducation

preservation

infrastructure

CITIES

habitatamenity

ACCESSactivitystrategyNATURE

communityterraces

Meanwood

14Cities Alive: From Grey to Green

Leeds City Centre

Woodhouse Moor Park

Woodhouse Ridge

Existing green links

Existing green links

Potential green links

Potential green links

Meanwood Park

The study site (highlighted in red) is in Meanwood a suburb located roughly 4 miles to the North West of Leeds city centre . Quality green spaces already exist within the proposed green spoke which include large public parks, allotments, a public farm and sports facilities.

The potential for this green link already exist (Meanwood Park, Woodhouse Ridge and Woodhouse Moor). These are valuable community assets and remain well main-tained and heavily used by local residents,however the connection between Woodhouse Ridge and Meanwood Park requires further enhancement in order for them to become attractive and successful routes for pedestrians and cyclists and space for recreation.

Fig : Site Location


MeanwoodSite context:

Fig 12: Built form

Meanwood 's built form is mix of close-knit Victorian Terraces, post-war suburban housing estates and large big box retail. Green space is present but is not being utilized to it's full potential.

Fig 1: Meanwood's built form and character

Fig 13a:Tannery (circa 1880)

Fig 13e: Shops in retail core. Fig 13f: Traffic dominates Fig 13g: Bars in retail core. Fig 13h: Grey, suburban sprawl.

Fig 13b:Tannery converted to flats. Fig 13c:Historic cottages. Fig 13d: Grand, Victorian housing.

Leeds has a number of potential 'green spokes' (Fig 10). They are currently disjointed and a concerted effort is needed to establish these as continuous green routes. Following on from the objectives outlined in Cities Alive (2014) this project aims to create a network of continuous productive urban landscapes. This study will focus upon creating a green route from the heart of Leeds continuing through Meanwood and out into the surrounding countrysid by stitching together existing green spaces and creating new, high quality green spaces.

Meanwood is primarily comprised of post-war housing estates,large scale retail centres, vast surface car parks and a small core of late Victorian terraced housing and public park land (Fig 13.) The area was previously dominated by the leather trade and a number of tanneries were situated along the valley floor. A number of buildings which supported the industry are still in place and give the area a strong historic character. Prior to extensive development in the 1930's the area contained far more open space andfarmland. This project seeks to redress the current imbalanceof grey and green space (Fig 12) and to work against the excesses of the modern city by bringing the country back into the city.

Fig 10: Leeds' green spokes (urbal.tv nd.)

Creating a productive green network

Surrounding Urban Environment

Fig 11: The key character areas of Meanwood

Meanwood Park

To Moortown

To Headingley To City Centre

Retail

Historic core

Grove Lane Park

Low density suburban housing


Ston

egat

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ad

Meanw

ood road

B617

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MeanwoodSite context:Existing Green SpaceMeanwood is relatively well catered for in terms of public park land, however the quality of this space is variable (Fig 14). Meanwood Park is an outstanding facility and a popular space. It contains sports facilities, cafe, children's playground and a number of pleasant walkways. Grove Lane Park is a much smaller space and is currently in a state of neglect. Local food production is also present in the area and centred around the thriving community allotments at Hollin Lane and Meanwood Valley Farm. As we can see from the map there are a number of unmanaged green spaces which are not being utilized to their full potential. If these areas could be improved and developed in a sustainable manner we could create a vibrant, attractive and productive green network. The projects' three proposed intervention sites are numbered in Fig.15.

Public Park

Allotment

Unmanaged green space

Green Roof

Water

Existing Green Space

Fig 14: Existing Green Space in Meanwood

Fig 14a: Meanwood park

Fig 14g: Grove Lane Park Fig 14h: Overgrown retention basin. Fig 14i: Meanwood beck.

Fig 14b: Childrens playground Fig 14c: Former cricket pitch

Fig 14d: Fishing pond Fig 14e: Hollin Lane allotments Fig 14f: Entrance to Grove Lane Park

Fig 1: Typology of existing greem space.

a b

c

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Fig 16b: Pathways quickly turn to mud Fig 16c: Require more durable paving Fig 17b: Shared terrace yards Fig 17c: Many houses lack gardens Fig 18b: Flooding is common Fig 18c: Meanwood Beck in flood.

Meanwood Site contextIssuesFig 1a: Paucity of safe, good quality cycle routes between green spaces. Fig 1a: Flood risk in Meanwood

A successful CPUL must be accessible and easy for users to navigate however the current condition of the green routes in the study area are not conducive to ease of use.The area is dominated by vehicles and the site sits between two heavily used roads which create a barrier to use. There are a dearth of safe cycle routes between major roads. Signposting is limited,poorly placed and often hidden from view which effects legibility. Pathways are narrow and badly maintained and lack durability, it is extremely difficult to walk many routes especially after a period of rain or during winter.

Due to the high proportion of dense Victorian terraced housing in the Meanwood Valley, many residencies in the area lack access to their own garden. The inhabitants of these buildings have little opportunity to produce their own food or enjoy their own outside space. This imbalance needs to be rectified by retrofitting green infrastructure and developing small scale communal urban agriculture in the avaialable spaces.-

Meanwood valley is susceptible to instances of flooding. Any design should therefore look to alleviate this risk within the site itself and throughout areas more prone to flooding further downstream. Permeable surfaces or flood retention schemes should be promoted to help mitigate the effects of flooding and reduce the impact of high levels of surface water runoff.

Fig 1a: Terraced housing: Lack of productive green space

Residencies with lack of access to private garden.Main Road Existing cycle route Proposed cycle route

Design must utilize all available space to create a healthy city and must serve more than just an aesthetic need in order to support fledgling ecosystems Cities Alive ( 2014 p.77)

High risk Medium risk Low risk


Design: A Vision for a Greener Future3


Site 1: Meanwood Green NetworkDesign concepts: Grove Lane Park

Fig 1: Project location

Strengths:1: Good location, close proximity to areas of dense housinggives the park a large pool of potential users.2: A well used routeway on the Meanwood Trail3:Rich diversity of fauna.

Weaknesses: 1: Poorly maintained vegetation creates a negative impression.2: Limited choice of entrance points and routes through park.3: Poor quality of existing paths.4: Limited choice of access points and route-ways within park.5: Chronic under use of space.6: Issues of vandalism and graffiti.7:Lack of seating and street lighting.

8: Park lacks aesthetic appeal

Opportunities and Aims:1: Enhance the physical appearance and infrastructure of the park, increasing it's appeal as a site for public recreation.2: Turn an underutilized space into an invaluable green node.3: Improve connectivity and signposting4: Reduce crime and vandalism.5: Preserve and enchance biodiversity.6: Development of play facilities to encourage physical activity.7: An alternate route way for pedestrians and cyclists away from main traffic stream.

Intended development outcomes:

Fig 22: Current condition: Access, quality of routeways and asethetics needs to be improved.

Fig 20: Initial sketch concepts

The park has the potential to be a key community asset but this area currently feels like 'lost space' both undervalued and underutilized. By increasing the number of access points and opportunities for active and passive recreation the park would become a destination point as opposed to the glorified cut through it currently is. The benefits of these simple changes would lead to increased rates of exercise, a more sustainable and safer community. It will encourage people to get out of their house, get active and explore the green spaces in their city which will have a positive effect upon peoples physical and mental health alongside counteracting the negative impact of cars. (Arup 2014, DEFRA 2010, RIBA 2013)

Fig 21: Movement in Grove Lane Park

Areas in need of improvement

Existing routeways


Transforming a forgotten park into a vibrant community asset.

Fig 2: Grove Lane Park improvements masterplan: 1:500

North

Fig 2: new links brings new possibilities for exploration.

New connections

Seating

New foot bridge

Widen existing path

New street lighting

Playground

Permeable paving

Bird/bat boxes

Fig 2: Bat boxes: Design should provide similiar features for nature.

Fig 24: High quality cycle routes promote physical activity, Daegu, South Korea.

Fig 2: An exciting, environmentally friendly playground.

Fig 2: Space to escape the city, relax and enjoy the therapeutic, cathartic effects of nature.

Fig 2: An inclusive mixed use space for outdoor games and new interactions .

Design Features and improvements

Natural playground designThe vision is to create an accessible, enjoyable and stimulating place for children to interact and spend time outside. The playground would be made of natural materials sourced locally from sustainable suppliers or fallen trees wherever possible.

Playground features:A) Rope climbing frameB) Wooden climbing sculptureC)Jumping logsD) Stepping logs.

AB

C

A

D

New infrastructure to promote green transport

Design for nature

Create a new bridging point and pathways through the park. This will maximize potential for pedestrian and cycle users by opening up new pedestrian and cycle routes and offering a practical and viable alternative to vehicular transportation.Strategically place benches in the park to enable people to find solitude and provide opportunity to interact with na-ture.

The park provides an important space for indigenous fauna including jays, common lizards and coma butterflies. Meanwood beck is refuge to trout, bullhead, newt and endangered white clawed crayfish along with a number of water fowl (LCC nd). Potential negative impact of increased visitor numbers must be mitigated by the installation of bat and bird boxes and preservation of existing trees.


Site 2: Meanwood Green NetworkDesign concepts: Edible terracesFig 0: Project location

Fig 2: Extending the CPUL and creating new green links.

Fig 1: Initial sketch concepts

Strengths:1: Historic character.2: Proximity to existing green space.

Weaknesses: 1: Many houses lack private gardens.2: The area is dominated by concrete and hard surfaces3: Minimal available space for plant or crop growing.4: Pedestrian and cycle routes through the area are illegible, inadequately signposted and poorly maintained.

Opportunities and Aims:1: Create a productive green urban space by filling in the 'missing link' in the Meanwood CPUL.2: Turn the hard, red brick spaces green and increasing the aesthetic and environmental conditions.3: Facilitate small scale urban agriculture.4: Educating locals in food production techniques.5: Improve the health, well being and self sufficiency of residents.6: Engender a sense of community spirit and cohesion through collective food growing projects.

In addition to physical, psychological and social health, green spaces allow for a more pragmatic health solution - urban agriculture (Cities Alive 2013 p.86)

Intended development outcomes:

Pockets of Green exist within Meanwood. The purpose of this intervention is to strengthen the green network through the area. The question is how do we expand this into surrounding streets. The initial concept was to develop green streets. While this approach has a number of benefits it was rejected in favour of developing low cost, low impact and a more site appropriate approach of facilitating small scale food production. Thus enabling houses without access to gradens to successfully green their space

Urban food production is becoming ever more prominent as people begin to recognize it's benefits (Fig 33). Providing facilities to promote small scale urban agriculture allows people to make the most of spaces available to them through growing their own food. Increasing small scale urban agriculture promotes healthier lifestyles, maximizes food security in urban areas and fosters a sense of community spirit.

Fig : Benefits of urban agriculture


Greening the TerracesBringing food production back to the city

Urban farming offers a glimpse of a more secure and sustainable food supply (Mary Hui 2012)

Back to Front is a project is currently based in disadvantaged inner city areas of North East Leeds (Fig 35a). It aims to promote urban agriculture in inner city areas. The scheme has been successful so far and this project would aim to expand their work into terraced housing in neighbouring Meanwood. Projects in a similar vein include 'Incredible Edible Todmordon ' and 'Feed Leeds' Numerous studies have shown this to have positive social and economic outcomes (Cities Alive 2013).

This project proposes the adoption of these communal schemes into Meanwood. Workshops could be run locally (in church hall) in which residents are introduced to the basics of food production and shown how to create their own planter boxes (cheap and easy). The yards are shared between houses, collaborating in communal food production could be a good way to strengthen ties.

Fig :The principles of urban agriculture (backtofront 2011 pg.11)


Urban agriculture, communal food production

Back to front current area of operation.Proposed area of expansion.

Fig : Easy to grow produce

potatoes tomatoes

beetroot spinach

mushrooms corgettes

Fig. : Urban agriculture in action: the possibilities are endless when it comes to growing your own food!

Fig b: Communal agriculture is becoming a much more common features in today's cities.

Fig a: Back to Front Leeds

Fig 37a: An opportunity for education.

Fig 37b: From car park to farm.

Fig 37c: Street planting, Todmorden.

Fig : Proposal: Shared terrace yard gardens, Meanwood.


Fig 40: Design aims: Urban farming is a low cost, high impact solution which can improve the social and environmental conidtions in our cities (Highbury Road, Meanwood)


Local food

Education

Improved generational links Free, healthy food Local pride

Social linksCommunity cohesion

Sharing

RelaxationSense of ownership

Fig 41: Any space, no matter how small can be brought into productive use with enough imagination! (Highbury Place, Meanwood).


Site 3: Meanwood Green NetworkDesign concepts: Highbury Wetland and Garden

Fig 42: Project locationStrengths:1: Large, flat area with fertile soil2: Present infrastructure (club house).3: Proximity to local agricultural schemes

Weaknesses: 1: The land has been vacant for the last 12 years.2: Paths around the site are too narrow.3: Vandalism, graffiti and overgrown vegetation.4: Limited choice of access points.

Opportunities and aims:

1: Bring a disused area into productive use.2: A unique recreational facility for a variety of users.3: A new focal point for the local community.4: Strengthening food production in Meanwood.5: Improve mental and physical health.6: A place for interaction with nature and people.7: Promote green education through experience.8: Enhance the natural environment.10: A resilient, flood resistance environment.11: Create an aesthetically stimulating landscape.12: Improved route legibility and safety

Fig 4: Initial sketch concepts. Entire site dedicated to urban agriculture?

Fig 44a: Abandoned cricket clubhouse. Fig 44b: Site is currently inaccessible.

Fig 44c: Existing paths need widening. Fig 44d: Meanwood Beck is a vital habitat.

Fig 44: .How can this space be enhanced aesthetically and environmentally to attain its full potential?

Fig 4: Meanwood Trail: This interventions will provide a new attraction along the route (Site 4). This will enhance the exist-ing green route from Woodhouse Moor through to Adel and Golden Acre Park. The proposed wetland will create additional space for public enjoyment and recreation.

The site the site has remained vacant and bereft of any use since 2002. The pitch is currently owned by Glendale Housing who have started investigating the feasibility of using the site for housing development which is a cause of concern for local residents. This project will take a different approach and will instead suggest that the land be utilized in a more productive manner in a way which serves the environment and the public. The site is around 10,000m2 and has vast potential both in terms of size and catchment area potential users. However in its present condition it forms a gaping hole in the Meanwood CPUL.

If this land can be brought into productive use it could draw users from far and wide and form the final piece of the 'green' jigsaw, becoming an important node and focal point of activity in the Meanwood ValleyTrail (Fig 45No.4). Current access is limited and a potential route way between sites is inaccessible. If this site was developed it would increase opportunities for the enjoyment of nature among residents; offering a new space for recreation and a key route way.

Intended outcomes:



Fig 4: Urban Wetlands

Fig 46b: An escape from the grey. Fig 46c: A space for nature.

Fig 46a: Quinli Wetland Park, Haerbin City, China.

Fig 46d:London Wetland Centre, a wildlife refufe in the heart of the city.

Woodhouse cricket ground should be integrated into a Sustainable Urban Drainage System (SUD) which is the adaptation of natural methods to managing drainage and reducing risk of flood. The process works by providing a buffer to surface run off and assisting in the breaking down of pollutants (DEFRA 2010). The creation of a multi use wetland is seen as most appropriate for the site in question and has numerous benefits (Fig 47).

Green infrastructure as flood alleviation

London Wetland Centre U.K.


Fig 4: The benefits of designing in a water sensitive manner are multiple.( Rtpi 2013 pg.5)


Fig 2: suggested species for planting :

A: Geranium

I: Ash Bush

M: Wooly Sedge N: Hairgrass O: Maiden Grass P: Bulrush

J: Beech K: Hornbeam L: Mulberry

E: Rhubarb F: Black Current G: Hawthorn H: Alder

B: Fox Glove C: Caradona D: Strawberry


Fig. 4: Community garden sketch concepts

Community forest garden and educational facility:

Fig 1: Typical Forest garden composition:

Planting

The wetland and surrounding areas will need to be a resilient environment and as such the following species have been chosen primarily for their ability to withstand and endure long periods of flooding. The wetlands central function will be to provide habitat and to provide flood to amphibians and wild fowl alongside water retention and filtration.

Some species which produce edible components have been included in order to increasing foraging options to both human and wild visitors. These species have been selected due to a combination of their durable nature, their edible nature and their aesthetic quality. The cultivation of these plants will result in a long lasting, productive and attractive garden space.

Meanwood Valley Urban farm is a multi-purpose, council run facility. It is a hugely popular and is a major inspiration for this project. It promotes education, community engagement and environmental maintenance and social rehabilitation.

Forest gardens are an agricultural model based on harnessing natural processes. Planting in this manner is biologically sustainable and emphasise positive interaction between plants to maintain high levels of fertility. They are carefully designed use nitrogen fixing plants to raise nutrient levels in soil. (Crawford 2006). Bedford fields is a Leeds based community garden developed on underutilzed green space. Thisis a project in which sustainable practices are pursued in a social and educational manner.

Experiential education:

Fig 0: Bedford fields forest garden

Fig 4: Meanwood Urban Farm

Communal food production:


Site 3: Meanwood Green NetworkDesign concepts: Highbury Wetland

Fig 53a: Pick your own berries

Fig 53e: Restore native fauna.

Fig 53f: Space for nature

Fig : Design Features Fig 4: Highbury Wetland Masterplan 1:500

Fig 53b: Production and education

Fig 53c: Apiculture

Fig 53d: Space for relaxation

North

Thinking of the city as the habitat for all species, and not only people can establish a more symbiotic relationship between buildings, land, and nature, creating intriguing and exciting functions Cities Alive ( 2014 p.73)

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1) Main pedestrian entrance. 2) Forest garden3) Alder hedging4) Ribbon seating5) Wild flower garden (willow, guelder rose, nine-bark shrub)6) Decorative stone circle7) Crop planting boxes (potato, mushroom, kale)8) Permeable car park

9) Composting box10) Vehicular entrance 11) Rooftop beehives12) Produce shop, cafe and visitor centre13) Raspberry and blackberry bushes14) Lawn 15) Widening existing pedestrian route16) Stepping logs17) Grasses (hair grass, reed grass, sedge)

18) Bulrushes19) Water retention basins20) Sluice gate21) Observation platform22) Raised walkway 23) Waterfowl nesting island24) Bridging point with Fishing pond.


Fig : The aim is to create a space which fulfils a number of functions and integrates many features including wetland habitat, flood alleviation, space for recreation, food production and information centre.

Highbury cricket club: A vision for the future


A vibrant habitat for nature and a unique community asset

Fig : Highbury Wetland view E to W.


Bibliography and sources4


ARUP (2013) Cities Alive available from http://www.arup.com/Home-page_Cities_Alive.aspx

Back to Front (2013), Manual http://www.backtofront.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/backtofrontmanual.pdf

Bohn, K. Viljoen, A.The Edible City: Envisioning the Continuous Productive Urban Landscape (CPUL) obtained from http://www.field-journal.org/uploads/file/2011%20Volume%204/10%20The%20Edible%20City%20Katrin%20Bohn%20and%20Andre%20Viljoen.pdf

Crawford, M (2010): Creating a forest garden, Garden Media Guild, London.

DEFRA, Benefits of Green Infrastructure (2010) http://www.forestry.gov.uk/pdf/urgp_benefits_of_green_infrastructure_main_report.pdf/$file/urgp_benefits_of_green_infrastructure_main_report.pdf

Hui. M (2012), 'Up on the roof, A real life Farmville' http://rendezvous.blogs.nytimes.com/2012/10/03/up-on-the-roof-a-real-life-farmville/?_r=0

L.C.C (n.d) Meanwood Valley Trail, Leeds City Council, Available from http://www.leeds.gov.uk/docs/MVT%20leaflet%20for%20web.pdf

RIBA (2013) City health check How design can save lives and money, London, Royal Institute of British Architects

RTPI (2013), Water Sensitive Urban Design, Royal Town Planning Institute. Available from http://www.rtpi.org.uk/media/11216/water_sensi-tive_urban_design-ideas_for_environment_practitioners__2013_.pdf

Viljoen, A. and Bohn, K, (2005) 'Continuous Productive Urban Land-scapes: urban agriculture as an essential infrastructure', The Urban Agriculture Magazine, 15: 34-36

Fig 1. Obtained from Cities Alive (2014 pg.99) available from http://www.arup.com/Homepage_Cities_Alive.aspx

Fig 2: A: Image obtained from https://urgitaipei.wordpress.com/2014/02/17/green-infrastructure/ B: Image obtained from https://urgitaipei.wordpress.com/2014/02/17/green-infrastructure/C: Image obtained from http://www.uniclub.hu/hirek/hogyan-tegyuk-zold-de-a-varosokatD: Image obtained from https://etenuitdebuurt.wordpress.com/2014/01/12/boerderijen-maar-dan-heel-hoog/E: Image obtained from https://nantylicious.files.wordpress.com/2012/02/nantes-bombardier-incentro-6.jpgF: Image obtained from http://smg.photobucket.com/user/surgirl/media/greenscreen_small.jpg.html

Fig 3: A: Image obtained from http://www.arup.com/Homepage_Cities_Alive.aspxB: Image obtained from http://transitionculture.org/wp-content/uploads/CPUL.jpg

Fig 4: A: Image obtained from http://www.kent.ac.uk/architecture/images/open_lectures/create/andreviljoenweb.jpgB: Image obtained from http://www.incredible-edible-todmorden.co.uk/images/4495.jpgC: Image obtained from http://www.incredible-edible-todmorden.co.uk/D: Image obtained from http://www.incredible-edible-todmorden.co.uk/

Fig 5: Icons adapted from https://thenounproject.com/

Fig 6: Image adapted from RIBA (2013) City Health Check pg.29. Availa-ble from https://www.architecture.com/Files/RIBAHoldings/PolicyAndInter-nationalRelations/Policy/PublicAffairs/RIBACityHealthCheck.pdf

Fig 7: Image adapted from RIBA (2013) City Health Check pg.3. Available from https://www.architecture.com/Files/RIBAHoldings/PolicyAndInterna-tionalRelations/Policy/PublicAffairs/RIBACityHealthCheck.pdf

Fig 8: Author

Fig 9: Image adapted from https://www.google.co.uk/maps/place/Mean-wood,+West+Yorkshire,+UK/data=!4m2!3m1!1s0x4879594323fd9935:0x-260cf99ff4aa9a91?sa=X&ved=0CHsQ8gEwDWoVChMIwYGmwen9xwIVg-sUCh3J9gfG

Fig 10: Image adapted from www.urbal.tv

Fig 11: Author

Fig 12: Base map adapted from http://digimap.edina.ac.uk/

Fig 13: A: Image obtained from http://www.leodis.net/displayB: Image obtained from http://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/1137452C: Image obtained from http://en.academic.ru/pictures/enwiki/77/Mean-wood_Institute.jpgD: Image obtained from http://www.brightlogic-estateagents.co.uk/PJWP/upload/74-1.jpgE: Image obtained from https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/3/3c/Meanwood_Post_Office_-_Green_Road_-_geograph.org.uk_-_1138010.jpg/198px-Meanwood_Post_Office_-_Green_Road_-_geo-graph.org.uk_-_1138010.jpgF: AuthorG: Image obtained from https://reetgoodleeds.files.wordpress.com/2010/11/becketts_main.jpgH: Author

Fig 14:A: Image obtained from http://www.leodis.net/imagesLeodis/screen/80/2010111_171480.jpgB: Image obtained from http://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/3657917C: AuthorD: AuthorE: Image obtained from http://hollinlaneallotments.org/F: AuthorG: AuthorH: AuthorI: Author


Fig 16: A: Map adapted from https://www.google.co.uk/maps/place/Mean-wood,+West+Yorkshire,+UK/data=!4m2!3m1!1s0x4879594323fd9935:0x-260cf99ff4aa9a91?sa=X&ved=0CHsQ8gEwDWoVChMIwYGmwen9xwIVg-sUCh3J9gfGB: AuthorC: Author

Fig 17: A: Map adapted from https://www.google.co.uk/maps/place/Mean-wood,+West+Yorkshire,+UK/data=!4m2!3m1!1s0x4879594323fd9935:0x-260cf99ff4aa9a91?sa=X&ved=0CHsQ8gEwDWoVChMIwYGmwen9xwIVg-sUCh3J9gfGB: AuthorC: Image obtained from http://www.rightmove.co.uk/property-for-sale/property-34301508.html

Fig 18: A: Map obtained from https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/envi-ronment-agencyB: Image obtained from obtained from http://flickrhivemind.net/Tags/C: Image obtained from www.fujicolorc200.iso200/Interesting

Fig 19: Map adapted from https://www.google.co.uk/maps/place/Mean-wood,+West+Yorkshire,+UK/data=!4m2!3m1!1s0x4879594323fd9935:0x-260cf99ff4aa9a91?sa=X&ved=0CHsQ8gEwDWoVChMIwYGmwen9xwIVg-sUCh3J9gfG

Fig 20: Author

Fig 21: Author

Fig 22: Author

Fig 23: Image obtained from http://treeheritage.co.uk/wp-content/up-loads/2014/12/iStock_000005616415Medium.jpg

Fig 24: Image obtained from http://www.korea.net/upload/content/editIm-age/4rivers_639.jpg

Fig 25: Images obtained from http://natlands.typepad.com/nlt_preserve_blog/2010/11/

Fig 26: Cut-out figures obtained from http://skalgubbar.se/




Fig 30: Map adapted from https://www.google.co.uk/maps/place/Mean-wood,+West+Yorkshire,+UK/data

Fig 31: Author


Fig 33: Image obtained from http://urbanomnibus.net/redux/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/Five-Borough-Farm-graphic-1.jpg

Fig 34: Map adapted from http://www.backtofront.org.uk/

Fig 35: Image obtained from http://www.feedleeds.org/ and http://www.incredible-edible-todmorden.co.uk/

Fig 36: Image obtained from http://www.backtofront.org.uk/

Fig 37:A: Image obtained from http://www.incredible-edible-todmorden.co.uk/B: Image obtained from http://depave.org/C: Image obtained from http://www.incredible-edible-todmorden.co.uk/Fig 38: Images obtained from http://www.backtofront.org.uk/Fig 39: : Cut-out figures obtained from http://www.immediateentourage.com/

Fig 40: Cut-out figures obtained from http://skalgubbar.se/ and http://www.immediateentourage.com/



Fig 43: Author

Fig 44: A: Image obtained from https://c1.staticflickr.com/3/2303/2419140016_e548cc5c2b_n.jpgB:AuthorC: AuthorD: Author

Fig 45: Image obtained from L.C.C. (nd.) Meanwood Valley Trail pg. 1. Available from http://www.leeds.gov.uk/docs/MVT%20leaflet%20for%20web.pdf

Fig 46:A: Image obtained from http://www.domuswebarchitecture.comB: Image obtained from http://www.domusweb.it/content/dam/domusweb/en/architecture/2012/01/19/nature-as-infrastructure/big_371863_1437_DO120104001.jpgC: Image obtained from http://www.domuswebarchitecture.com

D: Image obtained from Obtained from http://www.kidzuzu.com/wp-con-tent/gallery/kz_events//GreaterLondon153A.jpg

Fig 47: Image adapted from RTPI (2013) Water Sensitive Urban Design, pg.05. Available from http://www.rtpi.org.uk/media/11216/water_sensi-tive_urban_design-ideas_for_environment_practitioners__2013_.pdf

Fig 48: Author

Fig 49: Image obtained from http://www.mvuf.org.uk/wp-content/up-loads/2010/12/greedy-goats.jpg

Fig 50: Image obtained from obtained from http://3.bp.blogspot.com

Fig 51: Image obtained from http://tcpermaculture.com/Images/Forest_Garden_Labeled.jpg

Fig 52: A: Image obtained from http://www.telegraph.co.uk/gardening/how-to-grow/top-10-all-weather-perennial-plants/?frame=2602774B: Image obtained from http://www.telegraph.co.uk/gardening/how-to-grow/top-10-all-weather-perennial-plants/?frame=2602774C: Image obtained from http://www.telegraph.co.uk/gardening/how-to-grow/top-10-all-weather-perennial-plants/?frame=2602774D: Image obtained from http://holmestead-farm.com/tag/ala-bama-fruit-farms/E: Image obtained from http://www.videojug.com/film/how-to-grow-rhubarbF: Image obtained from http://www.allot-ment-garden.org/store/fruit-nut-tree/assets/G: Image obtained from https://lawnpatiobarn/H: Image obtained from http://www.nhm.ac.uk/resourcesI: Image obtained from http://www.heritage-flowerfarm.com/buyPerenni-alPlantsDetailJ: Image obtained from http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0Z5Xhw2K: Image obtained from http://www.otoolesgardencenters.com/images/ maiden_grass.jpgL: Image obtained from http://www.leicestershirevillages.com/sapcote/gallery,308571.htmlM: Image obtained from http://www.zastavki.com/eng/Nature/Forest/wall-paper-37012.htmN: Image obtained from http://www.trees-online.co.uk/purple-copper-beech-hedge.htmlO: Image obtained from http://www.pracbrown.co.uk/instanthedgeP: Image obtained from http://www.crocus.co.uk/plants/_/morus-welling-ton/classid.2000020938/

Fig 53:A: Image obtained from https://stylewithbenefits.files.wordpress.com/2009/10/rasberry-picking.jpgB: Image obtained from https://helenbabbs.files.wordpress.cC: Image obtained from http://www.puregreenmag.comD: Image obtained from http://www.turenscape.com/upfiles/1265187746.jpgE: Image obtained from https://northyorkmoorsnationalpark.wordpress.com/tag/paws-restoration/F: Image obtained from http://hartkeisonline.com

Fig 54: Author



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