Use this page to find out what Green Infrastructure (GI) is and how we are investing in GI and nature recovery.
Our diverse natural environment is home to many different plants, animals, and habitats. These important natural assets enrich and sustain our lives and livelihoods and are integral to the region’s health and economic prosperity.
GI is a strategically planned and managed network of natural and semi-natural (green and blue) areas that deliver a wide range of economic, social and environmental benefits.
These benefits include:
- resilient ecosystems that support fresh water and food supplies and regulate air quality
- adapting our natural and built environments to cope with climate change
- conserving and enhancing a legible network of green and blue spaces
- reducing and managing flood risks and drought
- more aesthetic experiences for people living within our region
Regional and local GI strategies
You can explore our existing regional and local GI strategies by clicking on any of the following headings:
The West of England Joint Green Infrastructure Strategy (JGIS) 2020 to 2030 was produced and is endorsed by the West of England Combined Authority, Bath & North East Somerset, Bristol, North Somerset, and South Gloucestershire councils.
The JGIS strategy identifies areas of priority to help us address and achieve GI requirements of the government's 25 Year Environment Plan and Environment Bill.
The B&NES Green Infrastructure Strategy provides a framework to work with partners and the community to help us make the most of the benefits that our natural environment can and should provide for people, places and nature within our communities and beyond.
This strategy will be reviewed in response to the new Natural England GI Framework (March 2023) Principles and Standards.
B&NES Green Space Strategy 2015 to 2029 sets out standards for quantity, quality and access to green spaces. It contains a set of policies to inform developments and a series of area profiles and action plans for each of the five community forum areas that cover the district.
Green Infrastructure partnership projects
We formed a Green Transformation Service to lead our response to the Climate and Ecological Emergencies.
The Green Infrastructure and Nature Recovery team is developing and delivering strategic GI partnership projects. These projects are delivering a range of benefits for people, nature and place.
You can read about the work that our Green Infrastructure and Nature Recovery team does in the Investing in Green Infrastructure and Nature Recovery prospectus.
You can learn about our GI partnership projects by clicking on any of the following headings:
Bathscape is delivering a National Lottery Heritage Fund (NLHF) grant programme of 25 projects to enhance the heritage, landscape and wildlife value of the City of Bath World Heritage Site. It aims to improve access to our natural landscape.
The Bath River Line is a project to create a 10km linear park and greenway along the River Avon through Bath. Running from Newbridge to Batheaston, the project will improve the river, riverside area available to the public, green spaces and parks to create a central green 'spine' through the heart of Bath.
Chew Valley Reconnected aims to connect and improve wildlife, water and wellbeing in the Chew Valley, as well as address the impacts of climate change in the area. It includes the Chew Valley Lake Recreational Trail project. The project area includes areas within the Mendip Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and extends to Keynsham.
The Limestone Landscape Link aims to improve the connectivity of the landscape between the Mendip Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and the Cotswolds National Landscape.
The project is based around the route of the Limestone Link long distance footpath, connecting the Chew Valley Reconnected, Somer Valley Rediscovered and Bathscape project areas.
Somer Valley Rediscovered aims to improve biodiversity in the Somer Valley, as well as people's access to nature in the area. The project was awarded three year funding from the West of England Combined Authority Green Recovery Fund in 2022. The project is focused on improving habitat and access to five green spaces across Radstock, Midsomer Norton and Westfield.
Waterspace Connected is a large-scale green and blue infrastructure project following the River Avon from Bath to Bristol. The project aims to improve the river and riverside for people and nature by creating a vibrant and resilient nature network and improved access for all.
The first phase of the project is focused north of Keynsham and includes the creation of a new, accessible walking and cycling bridge across the river which will create a new off-road route between Keynsham and Bristol. It also includes the restoration of important riverside habitats and open green spaces through the development of a 'river park'. Phase 1 of the project is due to be delivered in Summer 2027.