press release
Published: 14 November 2023

New 'library of greening' can help poorest urban communities the most, Surrey expert says

Surrey scientists are celebrating with colleagues around the world, after winning new funding for a ‘library of greening’ – a new database enabling towns and cities to learn from each other's success developing green spaces, waterways and other sustainability initiatives.

Credit: Getty Image
Plants on side of building

The RECLAIM Network Plus provides a one-stop-shop for towns and cities looking to mitigate the impacts of climate change and improve their resilience. It has over 500 members worldwide, offering information and support to implement projects such as parks, green roofs, canals or wetlands.

Research already carried out across the Network suggests this greening can help the poorest urban communities the most.

Deprived urban communities are often forgotten when discussing the effects of climate change. Our research has repeatedly shown that using green spaces, urban design, and waterways can make those areas more resilient to climate change, improve mental health, tackle social problems, and reduce health inequalities.

We are delighted to receive this additional funding, which will ensure everything we have learned is shared as widely as possible. Professor Prashant Kumar, Co-Director, Institute for Sustainability, Professor and Chair in Air Quality and Health; Founding Director, Global Centre for Clean Air Research (GCARE)

UK Research and Innovation has awarded a further £250,000 to the RECLAIM Network, allowing its activities to continue into 2025.

The extra funding will help launch a new database that communities, policymakers and designers can access for inspiration, expand and exploit current research activities and deliver a further engagement event to bring more partners together and grow the network.

People will be able to search the database for information on how effective green or blue spaces are in tackling urban challenges like cooling during heatwaves, air pollution, flooding, or how they can help improve physical and mental wellbeing. Professor Laurence Jones, UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology, and Co-Lead of RECLAIM
I’m delighted that UKRI’s Creating Opportunities, Improving Outcomes strategic theme has been able to award funding to the RECLAIM Network Plus. Their new ‘greening library’ will support the development of life enriching blue and green spaces in some of the most disadvantaged communities in the UK.

In doing so it helps fulfil the ambition of our Creating Opportunities, Improving Outcomes theme to spread opportunities and reduce inequalities for people and places across the UK, with a focus on identifying solutions that promote economic and social prosperity. Professor Alison Park, UKRI Creating Opportunities, Improving Outcomes Lead and Deputy Executive Chair, ESRC

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Prashant Kumar

Prof Prashant Kumar

Co-Director, Institute for Sustainability, Professor and Chair in Air Quality and Health; Founding Director, Global Centre for Clean Air Research (GCARE)

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