‘What did I just see?’ : an exploration of urban green space values through observation and park managers interview

Hendarta, Nadira Rahmania

Abstract

The urban green space (UGS) provides a variety of benefits for both the visitors (human-wellbeing values) and the urban wildlife on site (wildlife conservation values). However, managing the balance between the two values can be challenging and often dealt with separately. Research emphasises that integrating social issues in urban wildlife conservation can help manage better the conflict between the two. However, there is limited literature on how to develop closer links between academia, UGS managers, and the communities that derive from investigating the values above. This project adopts a mixed-method approach that promotes collaborative work between academia and park managers.

Direct field observation and semi-structured interview were used to understand the relationship between the local UGSs, their visitors, and their managers. Five UGSs in Kingston-upon-Hull were selected as case studies and three park managers were interviewed. Content and thematic analyses were used to explore themes to create snapshots of the park’s usage, highlight issues in management, and underline areas to improve.

The observation data revealed ‘Community’ was the main primary associated value of the UGSs in Hull, especially in providing space for families with children and the youth groups for shared activities, whilst the interview data suggests that personal values of a green space manager may play a significant role in determining how a green space is managed. The priorities and challenges of the park managers may be influenced by the visitors’ needs and managing bodies.

This research suggests community-led management, where incorporating community into UGS place-keeping, could help enhance the benefits for both the green space and the community. In addition, creating a network of UGS managers could help establish a platform for managers and the community to connect and share perspectives that can encourage communal problem solving.

Citation

Hendarta, N. R. (2020). ‘What did I just see?’ : an exploration of urban green space values through observation and park managers interview. (Thesis). University of Hull. Retrieved from https://hull-repository.worktribe.com/output/4223623

• Thesis Type: Thesis
• Deposit Date: Nov 16, 2021
• Publicly Available Date: Feb 24, 2023
• Keywords: Biological sciences
• Public URL: https://hull-repository.worktribe.com/output/4223623
• Additional Information: Department of Biological Sciences, The University of Hull
• Award Date: Sep 1, 2020