Environment advisory body announces partnership with developers at Thames Gateway Forum to raise standard of green infrastructure

Natural England has announced a partnership with major developers to help deliver a higher quality natural environment in our towns and cities.

Launched today at the Thames Gateway Forum in London, A Natural Development aims to demonstrate the contribution the natural environment can make to urban regeneration.

The partnership, already supported by key developers from Arup, Barking Riverside, Land Securities and Countryside Properties, will look to highlight best practice and raise the standard of design and delivery for green infrastructure.

Pilot studies are now being established at the Barking Riverside and Lodge Hill developments in the Thames Gateway and a series of seminars will take place throughout 2010, exploring how best to value, design and create quality green infrastructure and to further engage developers with the scheme.

Poul Christensen, acting chair of Natural England,said: “'A Natural Development' is an important step in ensuring the delivery of a high quality natural environment in our towns and cities.

"Green infrastructure - which includes green spaces, street trees, green roofs and urban parks - has often been seen as only decorative. The reality is that it transforms city life. Investment in greening England’s cities would bring a huge range of environmental, health and economic benefits.”