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{\author Forestry Commission}{\operator Mel Mason}{\creatim\yr2007\mo3\dy27\hr13\min4}{\revtim\yr2007\mo3\dy27\hr13\min4}{\printim\yr2007\mo2\dy1\hr10\min21}{\version2}{\edmins1}{\nofpages3}{\nofwords780}{\nofchars4451}{\*\company Forestry Commission}
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\b\f1\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp2057\langfenp1033 {\b0\insrsid2626611 Embargoed until 11}{\b0\super\insrsid2626611 th}{\b0\insrsid2626611  January 2007
\par }\pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0 \fs20\lang2057\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp2057\langfenp1033 {\insrsid2626611 
\par 
\par }\pard\plain \s3\qc \li170\ri0\keepn\widctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\outlinelevel2\adjustright\rin0\lin170\itap0 \b\f1\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp2057\langfenp1033 {\insrsid2626611 New vision for a greener, cleaner, healthier West Midlands
\par }\pard \s3\qj \li170\ri0\sl360\slmult1\keepn\widctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\outlinelevel2\adjustright\rin0\lin170\itap0 {\b0\insrsid2626611 
\par A 20-year vision for a greener, cleaner healthier West Midlands is being launched today 11}{\b0\super\insrsid2626611 th}{\b0\insrsid2626611  January 2007.
\par 
\par The West Midlands Green Infrastructure Prospectus aims to create \lquote a high quality environment\rquote  that will help to make the region \lquote vibrant, prosperous and sustainable\rquote .  
\par 
\par }\pard\plain \qj \li170\ri0\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin170\itap0 \fs20\lang2057\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp2057\langfenp1033 {\f1\fs24\insrsid2626611 
The Prospectus has been commissioned by the Forestry Commission on behalf of the West Midlands Regional Assembly\rquote s Environment Partnership.  It argues }{\f1\fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\langnp1033\insrsid2626611 that \lquote 
through a strategic and coordinated approach, we can reverse environmental decline, enhance existing green assets and harness the potential of green infrastructure to underpin an urban and rural renaissance and drive the Region forward.\rquote }{
\f1\fs24\insrsid2626611 
\par }\pard\plain \s3\qj \li170\ri0\sl360\slmult1\keepn\widctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\outlinelevel2\adjustright\rin0\lin170\itap0 \b\f1\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp2057\langfenp1033 {\b0\insrsid2626611 
\par }\pard\plain \qj \li170\ri0\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin170\itap0 \fs20\lang2057\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp2057\langfenp1033 {\f1\fs24\cf1\cgrid0\insrsid2626611 
Green Infrastructure is the network of green spaces and natural elements that intersperse and 
connect our cities, towns and villages.  It includes open spaces, waterways, gardens, woodlands, green corridors, wildlife habitats, street trees and open countryside.}{\insrsid2626611 
\par 
\par }{\f1\fs24\insrsid2626611 Councillor Keith Austin, Chair of the Regional Environment Partnership said:
\par 
\par }\pard\plain \s20\qj \li380\ri0\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin380\itap0 \i\f1\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp2057\langfenp1033 {\i0\insrsid2626611 \'93I am ple
ased to launch this document which sets out an exciting and challenging vision for the green environment over the next two decades, helping deliver more sustainable communities to cope with the demands of climate change. We need to recognise and provide f
or a high quality greenspace component to our regional environment that provides a world class place for people to live, work and play.\'94
\par }\pard\plain \qj \li170\ri0\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin170\itap0 \fs20\lang2057\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp2057\langfenp1033 {\f1\fs24\insrsid2626611 
\par }{\f1\fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\langnp1033\insrsid2626611 The Prospectus says }{\f1\fs24\insrsid2626611 that the region\rquote s green spaces could be improved to provide a wider range of benefits, including gr
eater opportunities for sport and recreation; increased support for healthy and diverse wildlife and ecosystems; and a more attractive green setting for homes and industry.  
\par 
\par The reports says \lquote }{\f1\fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\langnp1033\insrsid2626611 Green Infrastructure policies must be embedded (at the earlies
t possible stage) in a wide range of plans and strategies for example health, transport and economic development.\rquote  It argues that this is \lquote essential for the development of sustainable communities, growth and future prosperity of the Region.
\rquote 
\par 
\par }{\f1\fs24\insrsid2626611 It also says that }{\f1\fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\langnp1033\insrsid2626611 if development in the West Midlands is going to be to be truly sustainable, \lquote 
Green Infrastructure must be integrated within spatial planning and policy from regional to the local level.\rquote 
\par }{\i\f1\fs24\cf1\cgrid0\insrsid2626611 
\par }{\f1\fs24\cf1\cgrid0\insrsid2626611 David Ritchie, chair of the Regional Woodland & Forestry Forum said:
\par 
\par }\pard\plain \s21\qj \li380\ri0\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin380\itap0 \f1\fs24\cf1\lang2057\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp2057\langfenp1033 {\insrsid2626611 \'93
I am very pleased to endorse this prospectus on behalf of the Forum: Green Infrastructure is vital to the region\rquote s quality of life and the prospectus shows how trees and woods amongst other types of green infrastructure play a key role in supplying
 a range of benefits that constitute a healthy, attractive and wildlife rich environment for our local communities.\'94
\par }\pard\plain \qj \li170\ri0\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin170\itap0 \fs20\lang2057\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp2057\langfenp1033 {\f1\fs24\insrsid2626611 
\par }\pard\plain \s17\qj \li170\ri0\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin170\itap0 \f1\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp2057\langfenp1033 {\insrsid2626611 Nigel Jones, Countryside Adviser from Natural England says:
\par }\pard\plain \qj \li170\ri0\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin170\itap0 \fs20\lang2057\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp2057\langfenp1033 {\f1\fs24\insrsid2626611 
\par }\pard\plain \s17\qj \li380\ri0\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin380\itap0 \f1\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp2057\langfenp1033 {\insrsid2626611 \'93
Natural England sees green infrastructure as a key opportunity to deliver an improved quality of life for all, but particularly for the four million plus people who live in the region's towns and cities. 
\par 
\par \'93In our towns and cities green infrastructure will be vitally important for providing quality landscapes, better biodiversity 
and access to greenspace close to where people live. An early action for Natural England, will be to work with the Forestry Commission, local authorities and other partners to help the region's seven Growth Points develop first class green infrastructure 
strategies for their communities.\'94
\par }\pard\plain \qj \li170\ri0\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin170\itap0 \fs20\lang2057\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp2057\langfenp1033 {\f1\fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\langnp1033\insrsid2626611 
\par }{\f1\fs24\insrsid2626611 The Regional Environment Partnership Task Group, led by the Forestry Commission, will now provide a co-ordination role in the planning and delivery of green infrastructure improvements, working with other organisations in
 the region.
\par 
\par Bill Heslegrave from the Forestry Commission says:
\par 
\par }\pard \qj \li380\ri0\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin380\itap0 {\f1\fs24\insrsid2626611 \'93
Maintaining, enhancing and where possible increasing the amount of green space is a key objective for the Forestry Commission and the Regional Forestry Framework.  So I\rquote m delighted to suppo
rt this important work and look forward to playing our part in taking it forward.\'94
\par }\pard \qj \li170\ri0\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin170\itap0 {\f1\fs24\insrsid2626611 
\par }{\b\f1\fs24\insrsid2626611 Notes for Editors
\par }{\f1\fs24\insrsid2626611 
\par 1. A copy of the prospectus is available, from Gaynor Birbeck at the Forestry Commission (01905 362730) together with a document that sets out the technical approach of the study at }{\field\flddirty{\*\fldinst {\f1\fs24\insrsid2626611 
 HYPERLINK http://www.wmra.gov.uk/ }{\f1\insrsid2183679 {\*\datafield 
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2f0000000000000000}}}{\fldrslt {\cs18\f1\fs24\ul\cf2\insrsid2626611 www.wmra.gov.uk/}}}\sectd \linex0\headery709\footery709\colsx709\endnhere\sectdefaultcl\sftnbj {\f1\fs24\insrsid2626611 .
\par 
\par 2. }{\f1\fs24\cgrid0\insrsid2626611 The Regional Spatial Strategy recognises that:
\par }\pard\plain \s17\qj \li170\ri0\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin170\itap0 \f1\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp2057\langfenp1033 {\insrsid2626611 \lquote 
Access to quality greenspace can contribute greatly to the Region's urban renaissance, improving the quality of life in urban areas providing opportunities for sport and recreation and supporting biodiversity. Maintaining,
 enhancing and, where appropriate, increasing the amount of greenspace is, therefore, an important factor in considering the most efficient use of land.\rquote 
\par 
\par }\pard\plain \s3\qj \li170\ri0\sl360\slmult1\keepn\widctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\outlinelevel2\adjustright\rin0\lin170\itap0 \b\f1\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp2057\langfenp1033 {\b0\insrsid2626611 3. The benefits of green spaces include:
\par }\pard\plain \qj \li170\ri0\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin170\itap0 \fs20\lang2057\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp2057\langfenp1033 {\f1\fs24\insrsid2626611 
\par {\listtext\pard\plain\f3\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057 \loch\af3\dbch\af0\hich\f3 \'b7\tab}}\pard \qj \fi-190\li360\ri0\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\jclisttab\tx530\wrapdefault\faauto\ls6\adjustright\rin0\lin360\itap0 {\f1\fs24\insrsid2626611 
Opportunities for sport and recreation, creating healthier communities
\par {\listtext\pard\plain\f3\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057 \loch\af3\dbch\af0\hich\f3 \'b7\tab}Supporting and enhancing biodiversity
\par {\listtext\pard\plain\f3\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057 \loch\af3\dbch\af0\hich\f3 \'b7\tab}Providing an attractive green setting for homes and industry
\par {\listtext\pard\plain\f3\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057 \loch\af3\dbch\af0\hich\f3 \'b7\tab}Cooling our urban areas in summer
\par {\listtext\pard\plain\f3\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057 \loch\af3\dbch\af0\hich\f3 \'b7\tab}Reducing the impact of noise and air pollution
\par {\listtext\pard\plain\f3\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057 \loch\af3\dbch\af0\hich\f3 \'b7\tab}Reducing the risk of flooding
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\par }{\f1\fs24\insrsid2626611 Media contacts:  If you have any further queries, please contact Chris Blakeley, Strategic Adviser at the Assembly, (0121 678 1056) Bill Heslegrave or Simon West, Forestry Commission (01905 362730).
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