Salford LIVIA Newlands Spaceshaper
National Forest project CABE Space Spaceshaper facilitation
The challenge
Salford LIVIA (the Lower Irwell Valley Improvement Area) Community Woodland is one of nine new developments in the Northwest which are being created by the Forestry Commission as part of the Newlands scheme. Newlands has reclaimed large areas of derelict, underused and neglected land across the North West, with the intention of creating thriving and durable community woodlands. The woodlands are intended to provide new leisure opportunities for people living locally; benefits for business, opportunities for healthy living and green transport links.
What we did
Westley Design worked project managers, Pathways Consultancy for The Forestry Commission client to assess the benefits and impact of the project on local. A community consultation was held with local residents and community organisations. In his role as a CABE Enabler, Mike Westley, was part of a project team who developed the Spaceshaper Tool and is an accredited Spaceshaper Facilitator. Westley Design successfully conducted “Spaceshaper” workshops with a range of residents and local government and regeneration professionals.
The result
The Spaceshaper workshops helped to generate a clear picture of how local people felt about their environment. The exercise led directly to shaping and adapting the Forestry Commissions prioritised management program going forward and to future assessment of the success of the different projects. It is planned to repeat the work in three or five year’s time – so that any changes in use can be monitored. This will allow the Forestry Commission to assess the impact that the community woodland is having on the surrounding communities.
All material © Westley Design 2008