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Four Ways to a Greener Birmingham

Birmingham is one of the UKs greenest cities and boasts more public open space than any other European city – but how well connected is it, and how easy to access? The Greener Birmingham Coalition asked people to use social media to share the best bits of their journey into the city centre – and where space needs improving and connecting to make wild green spaces appealing and accessible, and travel by foot and bike safe and inviting using #GreenerBrum.

Georgia Stokes from BBCWM with #GreenerBrum participants ‘…useful comments for the city here. We need equal access to green space for healthier city.’

900 deaths per year are linked to air pollution in Birmingham alone, and it is estimated that access to good quality greenspace could save the NHS £105m per year in the West Midlands Combined Authority area.

Guided walks and bike rides were led by qualified bike leaders from Birmingham Cycle revolution and Community leaders and from Active Parks started from across the city traveling along green networks and corridors to show how even in our urban environment, our green spaces are vital to the health and well-being of our citizens. Along the way there were pick up points and activities at some of the lesser known wild places to recognise the community unsung heroes who voluntarily take care of parks, wild spaces, canals and woodlands. These will included local Friends groups and volunteers as part of the Birmingham Open Spaces Forum.

Georgia Stokes, CEO, The Wildlife Trust for Birmingham and Black Country and Greener Birmingham Coalition Co-ordinator said:

‘It’s great that Birmingham is a green city – but that’s no good to people who can’t access quality green space. This natural heritage event is part of Birmingham Heritage Week. It’s a brilliant opportunity to discover your local green space, or a new walk or ride near you, meet the volunteers who manage community green space and help the Greener Birmingham Coalition map the places that need improving and connecting.’

Here are more comments from the participants, who identified postive aspects, as well as some of the challenges facing Birmingham to improve our green spaces:

For more info see: greenerwestmidlands.wordpress.com/greener-birmingham/