A new practical guide has been launched to help councils design greener, healthier and more climate-resilient towns and cities, offering clear, science-based advice on how local authorities can address air pollution, flooding, heat, biodiversity loss and public wellbeing through urban greening.
The Urban Greening ‘How-To’ Toolkit has been developed through the UK Research and Innovation-funded RECLAIM Network Plus, led by the University of Surrey’s Global Centre for Clean Air Research (GCARE). Produced in collaboration with councillors, practitioners, researchers and local authority officers, the toolkit provides easy-to-use guidance for embedding nature-based solutions into everyday planning decisions.
The guide focuses on seven key environmental challenges: air pollution, biodiversity, flood risk, health and wellbeing, heat, noise and carbon storage. Each topic is supported by an illustrated fact sheet outlining effective approaches, common pitfalls, and the benefits of well-designed green and blue infrastructure.
Professor Prashant Kumar, Founding Director of GCARE and academic lead for the project, said that high-quality urban greening can deliver wide-ranging improvements for communities. “Urban greening should make life better for everyone. When councils design green spaces that feel safe, welcoming and connected to daily routines, they support healthier and more active communities. We all want places we can enjoy, move through and take pride in, while helping nature to thrive in our towns and cities.”
He added that the guide is intended to give local authorities confidence to take action now. “How we design our communities is crucial because greener streets can save lives by cutting air pollution exposure, cooling neighbourhoods during heatwaves, lowering flood risk, supporting wildlife and improving mental and physical health.”
Science-based advice on urban greening
The guidance outlines how hedges, screens and mixed vegetation can reduce roadside pollution when correctly designed and positioned. Continuous hedges of around two metres in height, with sufficient thickness and species that have complex, waxy or hairy leaves, are highlighted as among the most effective approaches. The toolkit also warns that poorly designed measures may worsen pollution levels, such as trees planted in narrow street canyons that trap emissions. It advises choosing low-emitting plant species to avoid releasing volatile organic compounds.
Biodiversity recommendations include prioritising ground-level green spaces such as parks, gardens and allotments, supported by wildflower meadows that attract pollinators. Creating connectivity between green areas allows wildlife to move more safely through urban landscapes, while reduced mowing and avoiding pesticides support more resilient ecosystems. The guide also encourages planners to avoid invasive species and select planting that reflects local ecological needs.
Strengthening climate resilience through blue-green infrastructure
The toolkit highlights the role of blue-green infrastructure in managing stormwater, including rain gardens, bioswales, wetlands and permeable paving. These features can slow, store and filter runoff, reducing localised flooding and pressure on drainage systems. It advises councils to anticipate unintended downstream impacts, follow the national Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS) hierarchy, and ensure maintenance budgets are secured so systems function effectively during extreme rainfall events.
National organisations welcome the guidance
Nicola Brown, Senior Officer for Green Infrastructure at Natural England, said: “the toolkit is an important contribution to supporting greener decision-making in towns and cities. “Natural England welcomes RECLAIM Network’s ‘How-To’ Toolkit as an important step in helping local authorities and planners integrate urban greening into everyday decisions. The resource complements the Green Infrastructure Framework by providing practical, evidence-based actions that deliver multiple benefits – improving health and wellbeing, enhancing biodiversity, and building climate resilience.”
The spokesperson added that embedding nature into urban areas can create places that work better for people and wildlife, now and into the future.
Cllr Catherine Houston, Lead Councillor for Climate Change and Leisure at Guildford Borough Council, said the toolkit demonstrates how communities can work together to make space for nature. “Urban greening supports our Climate Change priorities, helping us to increase biodiversity, reduce carbon emissions, improve air quality and create cleaner and healthier places for residents to enjoy.”
She noted that several Guildford-based initiatives are featured in the guide, showcasing the creativity and commitment of local groups and organisations.
Professor Laurence Jones from the UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology (UKCEH) highlighted the value of providing clear summaries to decision-makers. “City officials tell us they need clear summaries of the evidence, which is why it’s important that they have been involved in developing and refining this guidance on where and how to design green infrastructure in cities.”
