fig 1. Nature-Based Solutions (Naturvation, 2020)
What are Nature Based Solutions (NbS)
In the built environment, NbS requires developers to listen to the challenges of human well-being and biodiversity to create urban environments that people want to spend time in as well protecting ecosystems, and addressing key societal challenges such as climate change, food / water security and disaster risk, Arup (2022). Whilst NbS are not limited to strictly urban environments, we will take our focus away from other typologies such as, peri-urban, rural and focus on solutions for high density urban environments. This blog post will explore different types of NbS and more specifically dig some-what beneath the surface of social prescribing and NbS in deprived areas.
These following characteristics underpin what it means to implement nature-base solutions, Arup (n.d):
- Demonstrable benefit for biodiversity and ecosystems
- Designed to address major societal challenges
- Positive impact on human wellbeing
- Inclusive local stakeholder engagement
By holding these characteristics at the heart of developing interventions we are then able to build on what these NbS look like in socio-economically deprived communities. Some examples are as follow:
- Microforests: Small plots of densely planted fast-growing vegetation and shrubbery that can be planted by residents.
- Regenerative farming: incorporating pockets of farming to produce food more sustainably and locally.
- Blue-Green infrastructure establishment or restoration: install environmental protection and ecological restoration while integrating more green space to the urban fabric.
fig 2. NbS across different landscapes and hazards (Infrastructure Pathways, n.d.)
Introducing Nature Based Solutions in Low-income Communities
For those least likely to own a car such as; elderly low-income groups, urban professionals, and young low-income groups, Bhagat, Y et al (2024), having no car to access green spaces requires us, as urban designers to create spaces so people can access nurturing pockets from their door steps. In low-income communities’ public spaces highly impact residents as they act as vital nodes of activity. From parks, providing safe spaces, community centres hosting civic programs, and squares hosting public gatherings and markets, Poon (2017). So how can the power of nature-based solutions improve these areas to give access to the benefits of being close to nature without needing a car?
Ways that NbS can support low-income communities:
- Creating jobs
- Supporting and enhancing biodiversity
- Improving air quality
- Promoting health and well-being
- Social Prescribing
Social Prescribing
Trust, solidarity, tolerance, and respect are dimensions of the process of creating and building social capital which enables people to expect good from others and to act on behalf of others to create a better future for all, Cloete (2014). To do this,the NHS are working to give back to communities and instil a better attitude around health and wellbeing by ‘social prescribing’.
fig 3. Sketch of a Nurtured Community (Ibrahim, 2021)
It is suggested that social prescribing is an ‘all-age, whole population approach that works particularly well for people who; have one or more long term conditions, who need support with low level mental health issues, who are lonely or isolated and who have complex social needs’,NHS England (n.d)
It is predicted that at least 900,000 people will be referred to social prescribing by 2023/24 with significant infrastructure improvements to facilitate these changes, NHS England (2022).
fig 4. Wallsend Social Prescribing Service (NHS England, n.d.)
By fostering this model in low-income communities, significant benefits can come from socially connecting people through using community hubs and public squares, increasing physical activity through implementing an exercise trail around the local area, improving mental health by developing small pockets parks, promote healthier choices through community farming / knowledge sharing, help others gain confidence through community events or having a space people can go when they fancy a chat and through dedicating a hub so people who need financial support or aid with documentation it is readily available.
fig 5. Station Road with Graphic Design (Ong, 2018) & fig 6. Community Gardening Group (Seed Money, 2024)
One example that improved symptoms of postpartum was spending time in greenspace. When prescribed to the patients it saw a three times higher rate of visits to nature when compared to the control group, South et al. (2021).
fig 7. Examples of NbSs based on studies by Bragg, Leck and Jepson et al (Harrison, 2023)
To conclude, we can see in the table above the potential for social prescribing in deprived areas and how essential nature-based solutions really are as with happy people, a happy community will follow, Harrison et al, (2023). The RIBA’s ethical principles as well as the social value took kit explores these principles in more detail. Lastly, by teaching these principles to the wider community they will be able to take ownership like Colete (2024) has empathised and really work.
