Local authorities hold the power to help communities tackle air pollution, flooding, heatwaves and biodiversity loss – they just need the right support, say the authors of a new ‘How To’ guide for councils.
The newly published Urban Greening ‘How-To’ Toolkit offers clear, science-based guidance developed through the UK Research and Innovation-funded RECLAIM Network Plus – led by the University of Surrey’s Global Centre for Clean Air Research (GCARE).
Led by Professor Prashant Kumar, Founding Director of GCARE, in collaboration with councillors, practitioners, researchers and officers, the toolkit focuses on seven key challenges – air pollution, biodiversity, flood risk, health and wellbeing, heat, noise and carbon storage. Each section includes a short, illustrated fact sheet that highlights what works, common pitfalls to avoid and the many benefits of well-designed green and blue infrastructure.
Professor Prashant Kumar said:
“Urban greening should make life better for everyone. When councils design green spaces that feel safe, welcoming and connected to daily routines, they support healthier and more active communities. We all want places we can enjoy, move through and take pride in, while helping nature to thrive in our towns and cities.”
“This guide gives councils the confidence to make choices that work locally. Most importantly, it gives councils a practical route to act now. How we design our communities is crucial because greener streets can save lives by cutting air pollution exposure, cooling neighbourhoods during heatwaves, lowering flood risk, supporting wildlife and improving mental and physical health.”
The guide explains how hedges, screens and mixed green infrastructure can reduce roadside pollution when correctly placed and designed. Continuous hedges of around two metres high, with sufficient thickness and species that have complex, waxy or hairy leaves, are most effective, according to the guidance. It also highlights where poor design can make things worse – for example, trees in narrow street canyons that can trap polluted air – and advises choosing low-emitting plant species to prevent the release of volatile organic compounds.
It also recommends prioritising ground-level green infrastructure such as parks, gardens and allotments, alongside wildflower meadows that attract pollinators. Designing for connectivity between green islands allows wildlife to move safely through urban areas, while avoiding invasive species and adopting nature-friendly maintenance – less mowing, no pesticides – supports richer and more resilient ecosystems.
The guide sets out how blue-green infrastructure, such as rain gardens, bioswales, wetlands and permeable paving, can help manage stormwater by slowing, storing and filtering runoff. It urges planners to anticipate unintended downstream flow, follow the national SuDS discharge hierarchy, and ensure routine maintenance is properly funded so systems work when extreme rainfall hits.
A spokesperson for Natural England said:
“Natural England welcomes RECLAIM Network’s ‘How to’ Toolkit as an important step in helping local authorities and planners integrate urban greening into everyday decisions.
“We were delighted to contribute to this resource, which complements the Green Infrastructure Framework by providing practical, evidence-based actions that deliver multiple benefits – improving health and wellbeing, enhancing biodiversity, and building climate resilience. By embedding nature into our towns and cities, we can create places that work better for people and wildlife, now and for future generations.”
Cllr Catherine Houston, Lead Councillor for Climate Change and Leisure at Guildford Borough Council, said:
“We’re proud to support the creation of the Urban Greening Toolkit, which brings together innovative, practical examples of how communities can make space for nature in our urban environments.
“In Guildford, we recognise that tackling Climate Change requires leadership and collaboration, and this toolkit reflects the strength of our partnerships across the borough and beyond.
“Urban Greening supports our Climate Change priorities, helping us to increase biodiversity, reduce carbon emissions, improve air quality and create cleaner and healthier places for residents to enjoy.
“We’re proud that several Guildford-based projects feature in this toolkit, showcasing the creativity and commitment of local groups and organisations. We’re delighted to have supported its development and hope it encourages more people to get involved in shaping a greener future for all.”
Professor Laurence Jones, from the UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology (UKCEH), said:
“City officials tell us they need clear summaries of the evidence, which is why it’s important that they have been involved in developing and refining this guidance on where and how to design green infrastructure in cities.”
