Forest Gardens: evidence of increased biodiversity?
Dear all I just had a good conversation with the Environment Manager at my local council here in Bath (Bath and North East Somerset) and it turns out he is a keen permaculturalist. He even made several trips to Robert Hart's forest garden and when he was still alive. There is a big initiative on to improve the quality of local green infrastructure and he's keen to include forest gardens in enhancing the 'public realm'. The latest update to the forthcoming Environment Bill includes a requirement for all schemes developing land to deliver a mandatory 10 % biodiversity net gain. We have some evidence here already. Can folk please help with any further research demonstrating the value of forest gardening in respect of biodiversity, as compared with allotments or more conventional community gardens? Many thanks 🙂
Jake Rayson Thu 17 Sep 2020 8:18PM
I had a reply from her, she's just checking it with the university—I gave her your contact details @Paul Pivcevic so she might get in touch direct 🙂
The Tapir Thu 17 Sep 2020 1:32PM
Thanks Jake. Unfortunately I was unable to get through or find the
reference. It would be useful.
Jake Rayson Thu 17 Sep 2020 11:55AM
You should be able to, this looks like Mai Vasudevan's LinkedIn profile https://www.linkedin.com/in/janani-quynh-mai-vasudevan-55422a94/. I've sent her a message 🙂
The Tapir Thu 17 Sep 2020 11:40AM
The attachment states that the differences were not statistically
significant, but the graphics suggest quite otherwise.
Is it possible to get a full copy of the report?
Could be posted on NFG site
Jake Rayson Thu 17 Sep 2020 10:12AM
'A comparative case study of biodiversity between forest gardens and reclaimed woodlands', dissertation by Mai Vasudevan of Keele University, featured in Agroforestry News Vol 27 No 4.
Nickie Bartlett / Jakeman Wed 16 Sep 2020 8:14PM
Space to Thrive. A rapid evidence review of 395 papers on parks and green spaces for people and communities published last year.
One of their outcomes:
'The quality of green space has a stronger bearing on health outcomes than quantity'
The third of 3 recommendations:
'Parks and green spaces should be managed to encourage connections with nature. A wide range of habitats should be provided to give visitors the opportunity to engage with and better understand the natural world. This in turn will maximise the wellbeing benefits
associated with nature connectedness'
Best Wishes
Nickie
Space to thrive - National Lottery
Heritage Fund ( https://www.heritagefund.org.uk/sites/default/files/media/attachments/Space%20to%20thrive_2019-A%20rapid%20evidence%20review%2014102019-accessible.pdf )
Space to thrive – A rapid evidence review 1 Contents Executive Summary 2 Foreword 6 A note on definitions 8 Policy Context 11 Rapid evidence review methodology 14 Rapid evidence review findings 16 Health and wellbeing benefits of parks and green spaces
Jake Rayson Wed 16 Sep 2020 7:44PM
Will do. Fantastic thread by the way, really encouraging. I've been looking at using native wildflowers for ornamental aspects of a forest garden for a client, increasing micro-habitats & food source. Exciting stuff 🙂
Deleted account Tue 15 Sep 2020 8:29AM
Yes please Jake!
Jake Rayson Fri 11 Sep 2020 3:57PM
Can folk please help with any further research demonstrating the value of forest gardening in respect of biodiversity, as compared with allotments or more conventional community gardens?
There is some research by a ecologist at Martin Crawford's site, it's in an Agroforestry News. I can dig it out for you if you like?
The Tapir · Fri 18 Sep 2020 1:39PM
Thanks!