Stewardship and green infrastructure in England: Planning perspectives informed through an investigation of urban green infrastructure

Abstract

The aim of this study is to explore the relationships and perspectives of stakeholders involved in the stewardship of ‘urban green infrastructure’ in England. We used stewardship of the urban forest network (trees and associated green space) as a focal point by referring to four meanings of ‘Stewardship’, i.e. Motivation, Ethic, Outcome and Action proposed by Peçanha Enqvist et al. (Citation2018). We studied the perspectives of stakeholders through a multi-regional approach, in five English cities (Newcastle/Gateshead, Leeds, Sheffield, Coventry and Bristol), assessing their views expressed via questionnaire and analysing responses through NVivo. We found support for stewardship as a key aspect of urban green infrastructure planning, one that encourages ‘bottom up’ participation. In the specific area of urban forestry in England we propose that to ensure a co-stewardship role, planning professionals and citizens should work together at all levels to identify key roles and stewardship niches that are complementary.