Dictionary of urban terms – green revitalisation

Photo: Michał Strokowski Dictionary of urban terms – green revitalisation Gathered by Agnieszka Osipiuk Floating gardens are light, floating islands which create habitat and filter water. The main purpose of the floating gardens is to introduce greenery to the city centres, increase their biodiversity, enhance local population, create an ecological niche and filter the air and water. Floating gardens provide conditions for developing unique ecosystems in cities. The vegetation comprises mainly local species. The gardens grow thanks to the seeds transported by the Pocket park is a small park open to the public. The maximal size wind and birds. of this green area is 5,000 m2. They are often established at the initiative of local residents. Natural playground is a place which combines the elements traditionally used in children’s playgrounds with the elements found Nature-based solutions (NBS) are solutions inspired by nature in the natural environment: natural sand, earth or grass surface, which are cost-effective (economically productive). They are also green elements such as hills and paths with naturally occurring ecologically, economically and socially beneficial and support tree boughs. There are also specially-created elements encouraging climate change adaptation. playing with live plants such as bush mazes, live wicker huts and paths made of tree trunks and logs for physical games. Children Examples of NBSs: street greenery, parks, urban forests, pocket can play there freely using sand, water and other natural resources. gardens, natural playgrounds, open gardens, floating gardens, rain They can also grow plants and observe insects. Moreover, there gardens, community gardens, green walls, green roofs. are elements typical for gardens such as benches, arbors and tables which may be used for relaxation as well as for activities Nature-based enterprises (NBE) comprise companies and with children. Some elements may be designed individually and initiatives which base their work on nature either directly (planning, specifically for a particular playground. These may be used in many revitalisation) or indirectly (monitoring, consulting, designing). different ways for example as dais or walls for interactive games. Examples of NBEs: companies committed to sustainable forest Open gardens are an example of the use of the existing green management, gardening companies, architects and designers, areas belonging to particular institutions or private owners and companies providing green infrastructure products and services opening them, to a greater or lesser extent, to the inhabitants. Not (for example green roofs, green walls), non-government institutions only local inhabitants, but also non-government organisations, which support for example the management of natural urban community councils, people visiting nearby institutions and others forests, companies monitoring and assessing the consequences of may engage in them. the influence of NBSs.