Inspiration - we live in a unique and special environment

There are a number of places within the UK and beyond that might inform how we live in balance with our environment. Here are just some of the places and ideas that might help develop some new ideas for Central Bedfordshire and our communities.

Oxford Zero Emission Zone

Oxford City Council and Oxfordshire County Council have published proposals for the UK’s first city centre Zero Emission Zone (ZEZ). The scheme is to be introduced in three stages; starting with restricting some vehicle types and a small number of streets in 2020, and - as vehicle technology develops - moving to all vehicles across the city centre in 2035. The initiative marks a major step forward in ensuring cleaner air for the city, and significant reduction in the health risks for people living and working in Oxford.

Bristol Leap Prospectus - low carbon and smart energy investment

Bristol City Council has launched the City Leap Prospectus which sets out a series of energy and infrastructure investment opportunities put forward by the council, with the aim of attracting up to £1 billion of low carbon and smart energy infrastructure investment over the next ten years. Working with the council’s partners, the scheme is an innovative way to deliver significant transformational change that aligns with the social, environmental and economic priorities of the city.

Incredible Edible Network

Started by a small community group in Todmorden, Yorkshire, the Incredible Edible Network set out to inspire positive community change through food by redesigning green space into edible landscapes, building community gardens, providing training, and supporting local commerce to strengthen local food systems and community resiliency. By growing in public places, Incredible Edible groups change the way people interact with public spaces. It works to create more community-owned land and make edible towns and cities the new normal.

A National Nature Recovery Network

The Wildlife Trusts have recently published a report ‘Towards a Wilder Britain’ which sets out proposals for a Nature Recovery Network of joined-up habitats to help wildlife and people to thrive. The report proposes a number of key interventions, including creating ‘green arteries’ in new housing estates and interspersing farmland with ‘pollinator friendly’ habitat. On a national scale, the network would allow plants, animals, seeds, nutrients and water to move from place to place and enable the natural world to adapt to change.

Greener infrastructure, Hammarby Sjöstad, Stockholm

Hammarby Sjöstad is an area of Stockholm renowned for its thoughtful integration of energy, solid waste, water and wastewater systems, as well as rainwater management. The pioneering development incorporates large-scale wastewater and stormwater harvest and filtration, while wastewater is treated locally. Solid by-products from water treatment works are re-used in the local agricultural industry, while biogas is used as fuel for local vehicles. Combined, these solutions have resulted in a remarkably low-carbon neighbourhood.

Get Active in Ebbsfleet

Get Active launched in March 2018 in partnership with Ebbsfleet Garden City’s Healthy New Towns project. It is an initiative that aims to address high levels of childhood obesity and type 2 diabetes by rewarding participants with points on a smartphone app when they are active. It is introduced to people as they move into new homes, to help them establish active routines, use green spaces and make social connections through joint activities such as walks.