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summery of it.

The benefits of green spaces in cities

Planning cities to include green spaces wherever possible is the first step in making our
urban areas healthier. For example, adding a layer of vegetation to rooftops and creating
green roofs has proven to reduce the urban heat island effect.

Having soil, plants and greenery on our roofs would both reduce surface temperature and
serve as insulation for the structures below, reducing the energy needed to heat and cool
the buildings. Green roofs can also help regulate rainwater, trapping it as it falls and
filtering out pollutants.

Singapore's Gardens by the Bay is a great example of a city bringing

biodiversity into its centre. The tall structures pictured make up the sky
garden's Supertree Grove. These vertical gardens are home to a wide variety
of plants including orchids, vines and ferns. © Fabio Achilli (CC BY 2.0)
via Flickr
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Trees in our streets also play their part, and a variety of tree species can have a profound
effect.

'By increasing the diversity of trees on our streets we can create miniature forests,' Cecil
explains. 'This has already started to be implemented in cities like Singapore, where they
are mixing human structures with many different tree species.'

'These miniature forests in our cities create ecosystems, bringing a diversity of insect and
bird species which, in turn, keep the trees healthy. If we allow ecosystems to flourish, we
have to spend less resources on maintaining them.'

Cecil recommends going beyond creating pockets of nature within a city. He says, 'If we
give space to natural processes and link up our green spaces, we can create flourishing and
wild ecosystems in man-made environments. There were no sightings of the critically
endangered smooth-coated otter in Singapore for decades. Now they are returning to the
city, because of its dedication to nature.'

Green cities mean giving up some control of our surroundings - but for our long-term
benefit.

'We need to get used to letting go and try not to manage everything. Some natural spaces
are messy, but that's a good thing! Messy nature isn't just a great habitat for wildlife but it's
good for children to play in. Children's depression and ADHD is on the rise and one of the
reasons is our disconnect from nature.'

Simply having access to green spaces in cities can do wonders for our stress levels and
concentration at work.

Cecil says, 'People need to interact with nature whenever the opportunity arises.
Something as simple as a five- to ten-minute break during the workday can improve
well-being and boost productivity.'