16th May 2006
Winterhill Conference Centre, Milton Keynes MK6 1AX

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Green Infrastructure is the interconnected network of public and private land and water that supports native species, maintains natural and ecological processes, sustains air and water resources, and contributes to the health and quality of life of people and communities.

Landscape Character and Green Infrastructure should determine the nature and form of new development. It is increasingly recognised as crucial to quality of life as the built and social infrastructure. Green Infrastructure is particularly important in areas of rapid development and its principles can be applied at different scales in all landscapes.

A key principle of green infrastructure planning is that it should utilise the existing character of the landscape and enhance the sense of place. Landscape Character Assessment is an important tool to guide the planning and design of Green Infrastructure.

This workshop explored the principles, practice and benefits of green infrastructure planning, with a particular focus on landscape character. The workshop included presentations and open discussion and provided an opportunity to learn about projects that have used Landscape Character Assessment to inform the design of green infrastructure.

Speakers:
Terry Robinson, The Countryside Agency LAR:
Chair and introduction

Alison Millward, Alison Millward Associates:
'Landscape Character and Green Infrastructure: Starting Points and Progress Reports'

Jason Longhurst and Greg Phillips, River Nene Regional Park:
'Making Connections - Positive Environmental Planning for People and Place'

Alison Myers, Bedfordshire County Council:
'Green Infrastructure Planning in Bedfordshire: The Consortium Approach'

Richard Copas, The Environment Agency:
'The Use of Landscape Characterisation to Regenerate River Corridors and Diversify Greenspace in London'

Nicola Hope, The Mersey Forest
A Future Green Infrastructure for St Helens.