Environmental Context

It is widely recognised that Chester’s environment plays a significant role in ensuring the attractiveness of the city for visitors, residents and business.

This was acknowledged in the One City Plan, which identified as a key action the effective use and integration of the city’s blue and green infrastructure This recognises the many functions of water within the city; for example, providing a high quality environment, encouraging access by linking its urban and rural greenspaces and natural habitats

Having water in the heart of the city is a great asset and the River Dee is of clear environmental significance

The Dee is internationally important having been designated as a Special Area of Conservation (SAC) and is also a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) It is valued as a river system from source to sea and brings Atlantic Salmon and Otters through the city

The Shropshire Union Canal provides an important route for the movement of people and wildlife through the urban area As well as the obvious use by inland waterway craft it is also an important route for walkers and cyclists and has been designated as a Local Wildlife Site, providing important aquatic and terrestrial habitats

Water and adjacent greenspace also provide an important buffer against the effects of climate change as waterside trees provide shade and evaporation cools the surrounding built areas.

Seeing blue and green spaces as a whole, and managing them in an integrated way, shows us that they are greater than the sum of their parts. Understanding their multifunctional benefits ensures the most efficient use is made and in turn balances the needs of people and the natural environment