The day conference answered a number of questions and brought new questions to mind. Professor Brian Evans, Urbanism and Landscape (Glasgow School of Art), encouraged us to think broadly whilst tackling climate change. We are only limited by our imagination in tackling climate change issues for cities such as ageing populations, low fertility and various technical/automating changes. Innovative design should be at the heart of our solutions.

Helen Davies, Principal Consultant of Natural Capital from WSP, spoke of urban trees, green infrastructure and ‘greening’ office spaces. We’ve got to plant more trees, plant larger trees and plant the correct trees to realise the benefits of why greening towns and cities is good for prosperity. Society appreciates the aesthetic beauty, reduced noise benefits and positive affects for air purity that trees provide our communities with.

Julie Proctor, CEO of Greenspace Scotland, spoke of her vision of the ‘natural health service’ and the issues they’ve faced. There are a lot of green activities within areas but there is a lack of coordination, short term funding concerns and issues with access to land. We should be looking to design and manage green spaces, advertise initiatives effectively and work in partnership.
Overall the event was a great place to network and create new connections to foster new ideas with the leaders of green initiatives from across Scotland.