Best practice case studies from around the UK
Sharing best practice is important as it empowers local communities to implement similar initiatives in their area
Communities
Ashton-Under-Lyne: Doorstep Green
Ashton Renewal Area was set up in 1996 to tackle social, economic and housing problems. In 2002, 252 terraced houses were demolished to make way for 102 larger homes. During the redevelopment consultation, local residents requested new green space in the area as they had access only to a local park across a busy main road and there was nowhere safe for their children to play.
Read more about this and other community initiatives here.
Local Authorities
Leeds: Investment in parks
Between 2004 and 2006 the Parks and Countryside Service sent out 90,000 questionnaires to residents in Leeds. The results of this survey indicated that the City's 73 parks attracted 60 million visits each year, with 90 per cent of Leeds residents being regular park users. In 2005 the service was awarded £500,000 for improvements to 12 community parks, with a further £3.2 million awarded under Parks Renaissance for improvements to 21 community parks the following year.
Read more about this and other Local Authority initiatives here.
Schools
Woodroffe School: Eco-School
The school achieved their Eco-Schools Bronze Award in February 2007 and are hoping to achieve their first Green Flag this year. Paper-recycling was the school's first project, helped by the purchase of a paper compactor. Further to this, the school have 54 solar panels; a wind-powered pc; two environmental action teams (EAT), one consisting of teachers and the other of students; regular paper and cardboard waste collections; an environmental code; an annual Big Green Day; and closer involvement with the community.
Read more about this and other schools initiatives here.