> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://wiki.greatcollaboration.uk/knowledgebase/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://wiki.greatcollaboration.uk/knowledgebase/landscape.md).

# Landscape

The following sub-categories fall under "Landscape":

* **Agriculture:** livestock, arable, allotments, community orchards, vertical farms
* [**Gardens:** ](https://wiki.greatcollaboration.uk/knowledgebase/landscape/gardens)supporting biodiversity, community-gardening, native species, climate-change readiness (heat, drought, flood) flood protection, growing food
* **Great outdoors:** flood risk assessment, wildfires, management
* **Planning:** Neighbourhood Planning, Local Plans, Planning Applications, Tree Preservation Orders, Road Traffic Orders
* [**Public Realm:** ](https://wiki.greatcollaboration.uk/knowledgebase/landscape/public-realm)shading, heat islands, SUDS, footpaths, bridleways, [contracts](https://wiki.greatcollaboration.uk/knowledgebase/landscape/public-realm/contracts)
* Streets: Low traffic neighbourhoods, [20 mph zones](https://wiki.greatcollaboration.uk/knowledgebase/landscape/20mph-zones), cycle paths

In addition to emergency planning, the way land is managed and designed can help reduce the impacts of flooding, heat, drought and ecological decline. These approaches often work across multiple areas, from gardens and streets to agriculture and planning, and are most effective when considered together.

The sections below highlight different entry points for landscape-based actions, which can contribute to wider community resilience.

### Supporting Biodiversity

What is this and why it matters

Supporting biodiversity can be approached at multiple levels, from small-scale actions in gardens and community spaces to larger-scale changes through planning and development.

While many biodiversity improvements can be delivered locally, wider frameworks such as Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) play an important role in ensuring that development contributes to measurable ecological improvement.

### What you can do

At home or in gardens

* Plant native and pollinator-friendly species
* Create small habitat areas (e.g. wildflower patches, “bee squares”)
* Reduce or avoid pesticide and herbicide use
* Allow some areas to grow naturally (e.g. reduced mowing)

In shared or community spaces

* Support or start community biodiversity or rewilding projects
* Create or enhance green spaces that can support wildlife
* Connect green areas where possible to form local wildlife corridors
* Integrate biodiversity into community gardens or food-growing spaces

At neighbourhood or planning level

* Support biodiversity considerations in local planning processes
* Engage with [Local Nature Recovery Strategies](https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/local-nature-recovery-strategies/local-nature-recovery-strategies) or similar initiatives
* Work with local councils, landowners, and organisations to improve habitat connectivity

### How this links to wider risks

Supporting biodiversity can contribute to reducing a range of risks:

* Improved soil structure and water retention → helping to reduce flooding
* Increased vegetation and shade → helping to reduce heat and overheating
* Healthier soils and ecosystems → improving resilience to drought
* Support for pollinators and ecosystems → strengthening food resilience

### Useful resources

[Bringing Nature Home / RHS](https://www.rhs.org.uk/get-involved/bringing-nature-home?utm_source=chatgpt.com)

[Local nature recovery strategies - GOV.UK](https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/local-nature-recovery-strategies/local-nature-recovery-strategies)

[Biodiversity net gain - GOV.UK](https://www.gov.uk/guidance/biodiversity-net-gain?utm_source=chatgpt.com)


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