The Green Infrastructure Unit provides advice and acts as a "think tank" on the connections between urban green space, urban-rural fringe and the wider countryside.

North West Green Infrastructure Unit

A Green Infrastructure Unit was set up in the North West in 2005, funded by the Countryside Agency, to develop the concept of "green infrastructure" and the connections between urban green space, urban-rural fringe and the wider countryside.

The basic idea of "green infrastructure" is to encourage a more systematic approach to planning and managing green space across local authority boundaries.  It helps to link together many different spaces and activities so that a coherent network is created.  It aims to bring benefits to both humans and wildlife.

The North West Green Infrastructure Unit's work is currently managed by the Community Forests North West Ltd.  Its key role is to circulate information and stimulate debate among local and regional stakeholders. 

The Unit's Green Infrastructure Prospectus for the Manchester and Liverpool City Regions was produced to show how green space improvements can help economic and social development in those areas.  The Unit is also working with other regional agencies on a Green Infrastructure Guide for the North West.

Definition of Green Infrastructure

"Green infrastructure is the physical environment within and between our cities, towns and villages.  It is the network of open spaces, waterways, gardens, woodlands, green corridors, street trees and open countryside that brings many social, economic and environmental benefits to local people and communities." 

(Green Infrastructure prospectus for the Manchester & Liverpool city-regions, 2005)