Civic-Universities-and-Green-Spaces.pdf

Civic-Universities-and-Green-Spaces.pdf - page 1/22 - CIVIC UNIVERSITIES AND GREEN SPACES: EXP…

CIVIC UNIVERSITIES AND GREEN SPACES: EXPLORING THE CURRENT AND

Civic-Universities-and-Green-Spaces.pdf - page 2/22 - BACKGROUND

BACKGROUND

Civic-Universities-and-Green-Spaces.pdf - page 3/22 - 1. INTRODUCTION

1. INTRODUCTION

Civic-Universities-and-Green-Spaces.pdf - page 4/22 - of green space on health, and been cited…

of green space on health, and been cited as a critical case study in a Department of Health White Paper.[10]

Civic-Universities-and-Green-Spaces.pdf - page 5/22

Civic-Universities-and-Green-Spaces.pdf - page 6/22 - Considering mechanisms to achieve these …

Considering mechanisms to achieve these benefits, research found students that engaged with green space in active ways (ie, physical activity) led to better outcomes (quality of life, stress, and mood), than students that used green space in passive ways (ie, sitting).[17] Similarly, another study identified outdoor recreation as important for overall wellbeing, physical activity and social relationships.[18]

Civic-Universities-and-Green-Spaces.pdf - page 7/22 - 2.2 UNIVERSITY GREEN SPACES AND PHYSICAL…

2.2 UNIVERSITY GREEN SPACES AND PHYSICAL ACTIVITY

Civic-Universities-and-Green-Spaces.pdf - page 8/22 - Green spaces are forms of social infrast…

Green spaces are forms of social infrastructure; spaces and places that support social connection.[28] Research has identified the ways that urban green space can support a broad range of social connections, making it easier for people to spend time with one another to relax, walk, picnic, or play sport.[29] Recognising the social role of green spaces is critical during a time that has been described as an epidemic of loneliness and isolation.[30] In the aftermath of the Covid-19 pandemic, there is an acute awareness of the relationship between loneliness, social isolation and mental health.[31]

Civic-Universities-and-Green-Spaces.pdf - page 9/22 - For example, in the literature above, th…

For example, in the literature above, the provision of tree shade is mentioned as an important contribution that university campuses are already making.[33]

Civic-Universities-and-Green-Spaces.pdf - page 10/22 - 2.5 BEYOND THE CAMPUS Much of the litera…

2.5 BEYOND THE CAMPUS Much of the literature highlighted above centres the university campus as the principal university green space. However, it is important to think of beyond the university as a metaphorical (and sometimes literal) walled garden, not least because students themselves do not exist solely within the boundaries of the university. They are people that live in places and neighbourhoods. As one of the articles reviewed above found, the quality of neighbourhood green space is particularly important for student wellbeing.[42] Moreover, the hope for a civic university is that it is not only university staff and students that make the most of university green spaces, but members of the local community too.

Civic-Universities-and-Green-Spaces.pdf - page 11/22 - Critical attention has already been paid…

Critical attention has already been paid to the inequalities that exist in the UK education system, with students at top private schools having access to 10 times as much outdoor space as those who attend state schools.[45] Universities could take the lead in demonstrating what a civic approach to these challenges might look like. Universities could play a key role in the realisation of restorative urban environments that support the health and wellbeing of students, staff, and local communities.[46]

Civic-Universities-and-Green-Spaces.pdf - page 12/22 - 3. IDENTIFYING FRAMEWORK

3. IDENTIFYING FRAMEWORK

Civic-Universities-and-Green-Spaces.pdf - page 13/22 - Type

Type

Civic-Universities-and-Green-Spaces.pdf - page 14/22 - 4.ACCESSIBILITY AND STEWARDSHIP

4.ACCESSIBILITY AND STEWARDSHIP

Civic-Universities-and-Green-Spaces.pdf - page 15/22 - Figure 2 is concerned with urban parks i…

Figure 2 is concerned with urban parks in general, but many of the principles identified would be applicable to university green spaces. The framework is concerned with the different aspects of green space needed for them to be considered `environmentally and socially just, promoting `community participation in decision making, and consider `climate change and environmental sustainability. These are helpful frameworks to apply to university green spaces. They highlight the different characteristics that might be planned for within the range of green spaces that universities are responsible for. Moreover they move beyond a sense that impact or value will be automatic � management and quality matter.

Civic-Universities-and-Green-Spaces.pdf - page 16/22 - Special attention should be given to ens…

Special attention should be given to ensuring a diverse range of people are able to participate. 3) Does the university manage a diverse range of green spaces? Not all green spaces are alike, and some are better suited to specific kinds of activities. Having a diversity of green spaces will increase the range of health and wellbeing benefits a university can support. 4) Can existing green spaces and activities be better publicised? It may be that the university already has abundant and accessible green spaces, but they might not feel accessible to the general public. A strong communication strategy might help raise awareness of the green infrastructures already available via the university. 5) Is the full value of the universitys green spaces being documented for all stakeholders? Evaluating and measuring the impact of university green spaces can support arguments for their protection and value. They can also identify areas for development and improvement. Value here is multi-dimensional � covering social, environment and economic contributions. It is also multi-scalar, thinking about value of students, staff, and local neighbours and communities.

Civic-Universities-and-Green-Spaces.pdf - page 17/22 - 5.THE CIVIC FUTURE OF UNIVERSITY GREEN S…

5.THE CIVIC FUTURE OF UNIVERSITY GREEN SPACES

Civic-Universities-and-Green-Spaces.pdf - page 18/22 - The positive impact that green spaces ca…

The positive impact that green spaces can have on health and wellbeing is clear, and should mean the management of green space is considered vital as universities realise their civic potential.

Civic-Universities-and-Green-Spaces.pdf - page 19/22 - REFERENCES

REFERENCES

Civic-Universities-and-Green-Spaces.pdf - page 20/22 - Ding, et al. (2023) Exploring the associ…

Ding, et al. (2023) Exploring the association between campus environment of higher education and student health: A systematic review of findings and measures. Urban Forestry and Urban Greening 91: 128168.

Civic-Universities-and-Green-Spaces.pdf - page 21/22 - Lemyre, et al. (2023) Neighbourhood gree…

Lemyre, et al. (2023) Neighbourhood greenspaces and mental wellbeing among university students in England during the Covid-19 pandemic: an online survey under lockdown. Cities & Health 8(2): 155-170.

Civic-Universities-and-Green-Spaces.pdf - page 22/22