The Shared Vision project a collaboration between the Sustainability Action Programme, community groups SO18 Big Local and Training for Work in Communities, and the City Council.
What did we do?
SO18 Big Local , Training for Work in Communities , Southampton City Council and the University of Southampton worked together to identify the barriers to the use of three underused green spaces by the local community. The Shared Vision project:
- Brought local residents and university students together to research local views on and current use of the green spaces, and to identify the biodiversity found there.
- Organised pilot community activities to raise the profile of the green spaces and help residents to identify local wildlife.
Why did we do it?
On being awarded Lottery funding for a ten-year ‘Big Local’ project, the local communities in the areas of Townhill and Harefield identified the environment and biodiversity as a key theme. The existing green spaces were underused by local residents; this project brought the community, the City Council and the University together to use research to understand why, and to create an action plan to change this.
How will this make a difference?
- For the community: This project will help SO18 Big Local make a lasting positive difference in the communities by helping understand current barriers to use of the spaces, and how to overcome them.
- For the City Council: Greater use of the green spaces will make them a point of stability during the redevelopment taking place in Townhill Park and Harefield. The biodiversity data will contribute to the City Council’s database.
- For the students: Students will improve their research and team-working skills, as well as enjoy being able to have a positive impact in the Southampton community during the studies.
- For the University: Its reputation and connections will the community groups and local residents will be improved. This partnership approach to research will be shared with the wider university community as a model for future work.
This project is funded by the University's
Public Engagement with Research Unit
.