Winner: River Nene Regional Park (RNRP)

River Nene Regional Park is also the overall Creating the Future 2008 winner and recipient of ‘The Co-operative Award for Excellence'.

River Nene Regional Park was established in 2003 to promote environmental considerations within the proposals for high levels of growth in Northamptonshire. Now a Community Interest Company, its work is setting a new agenda for the management of 21st century landscapes.

Judges' comment:

"This project sets a new agenda for the planning and management of regional development and regeneration. It captures and perpetuates the character of the physical enviroment while ensuring that the built enviroment is always faithful to a wider vision."

www.northamptonshire.gov.uk

Michel Kerrou, Chief Executive, says RNRP wanted to "see Northamptonshire recognised internationally for the quality of its environment, while accommodating an unprecedented level of growth". To ensure this occurred the organisation, based on a "loose" partnership, established a stakeholder steering group formed from their partners from regional bodies, local planning authorities and delivery vehicles, private bodies and voluntary sector organisations. These were able to fund the partnership and allow access to other projects, through which RNRP has been able to advise on how to consider the environment in development. RNRP has become established in it's field, as Michel says: "The corporate identity and reputation of RNRP is such that it is regarded as a form of quality assurance".

To benefit both the environment and the surrounding communities, RNRP established various projects that enhance links between the urban and the rural and integrate green infrastructure into place-making. One of the partnership's most innovative developments is a landscape character assessment planning tool, which, through the use of digital mapping, survey and analysis, allows professionals or members of the public to see what kind of landscape an area has without having to visit all specific areas of the site. This is beneficial for gaining knowledge about what could improve an area, whether it is environmental, social or economic and decide where new structures could be placed that benefit communities the most without negatively affecting the landscape.

"The partnership's most innovative development is a landscape character assessment planning tool"

Other projects are focused on developing a green infrastructure and providing a sense of place for Northamptonshire's newer communities. Infrastructure projects include the development of a two-mile accessible trail in Salcey Forest that uses innovative wooden bridges to take wheelchairs up and over the forest in a canopy walk.

Another new development is underway at Fineshade Woods, at the centre of the 208-square mile Rockingham Forest. Top Lodge, a set of historic farm buildings, is in the process of conversion to environmental education facilities, an outlet and workshops for rural craft products and a café. The centre will interpret and promote the Forestry Commission's nationally important Ancient Woodland project and the Red Kite re-introduction project, both of which are based there.

RNRP also works with local businesses and organisations to help them see the natural environment as an asset, offering a one-stop shop for access to funding, advice and guidance on best practice in green issues. A Green Infrastructure Grant Scheme offers financial assistance to urban and rural communities to improve their local environment. Only through partnership working could these projects be enabled, as Michel says: "RNRP is seen as an exemplar at regional and national level, not only for its innovative approach in landscape management and design, but for its partnership working, through which the projects are delivered on the ground."

RNRP has played a crucial role in addressing a wide range of green issues in Northamptonshire. The in-depth knowledge and partnership approach combined with understanding of how urban and rural environments can work together have been major factors in its success.

Project highlights

• RNRP's success is based on its tightly focused core themes: project enabling; place-making; environmental initiatives and innovation; green infrastructure; carbon offset; and climate change.
• Partnership working is crucial - RNRP works with the Environment Agency, Forestry Commission, English Nature, Department for Communities and Local Government, local authorities and private sector investors. The planning tool has fostered a strong sense of ownership among partner organisations and local authorities.
• RNRP's innovative planning tool uses the latest widely available technology and data, and gives interactive, user-friendly output. The system is designed for future proofing, and can assimilate new data whether social, economic or environmental.