Marshalls launches Creating Safer Spaces CPD

In light of its research that found four out of five people feel more unsafe when it’s dark in shared spaces, Marshalls has launched a new CPD session exploring how to integrate design features into the public realm to improve feelings of safety.

The one-hour Creating Safer Spaces CPD session can be delivered virtually or in person and shares the findings of the landscaping specialist’s white paper on issues impacting feelings of safety or vulnerability in public spaces and the effects it has on behaviour.

It also examines seven design pillars that should be considered by those responsible for the public realm, including how to create public spaces that are, as well as feel, safer for users from day through to night. The session tackles topics such as vision and wayfinding, the sonic environment, the use of technology, accessibility and familiarity, providing practical guidance for designers, planners and architects to readily integrate into schemes while also addressing factors such as biodiversity and ease of maintenance.

Johanna Elvidge, Head of Design at Marshalls, who helped develop the session, said: “The issue of public safety is a complex one that requires multi-layered solutions. Through the CPD, we explore the strategic, rounded approach needed to create open, accessible spaces where people feel seen - while ensuring they are welcoming to attract more users and improve civic pride. It’s a must-attend for anyone involved in the design and building of any public realm scheme.”

Marshalls Enquiry 2

With The Budget due to be released by The Chancellor this month it will once again be interesting to see whether our industry finally gets the official recognition it so obviously deserves.

We have seen little pockets of funding and investment in recent years, but it is high time the Government started to allocate the proper resources the industry as a whole both needs and should be receiving.

A medium-term, or better still long-term, programme of investment in our industry – from parks and community green spaces to grass roots sport, urban landscaping and play and activity – should be high on The Chancellor’s to-do list. The last few years have proved just how important these aspects of the industry’s work have been to the overall health and well-being of the public, but also the significant and positive impact they have on the economy. The evidence continues to stack up in the industry’s favour, but it remains the poor relation and a clear and co-ordinated set of proposals that recognise its role and its importance to the country as a whole needs to be forthcoming. This month we highlight some of the smaller projects that are being funded, along with some of the campaigns and work designed to boost the profile of the industry.

We also have our regular Professional Groundscare supplement, with an in-depth look at the always fascinating ride-on mower market from Jane Carley, as well as a spotlight on grass seeds and wildflowers as well as more news and case studies from this important sector. There is also a look at aspects of hard and soft landscaping and the urban environment, including green roofs and living walls as well as weed and pest control. As we move towards Spring, the traditional season of optimism, it will be interesting to see whether the industry finally finds a friend in The Chancellor.

Contents:

Grosvenor

Central

Telford, TF2 9TW

PUBLISHING DIRECTOR Martyn Smith martyn@tspmedia.co.uk

EDITOR Paul Groves paul.groves@tspmedia.co.uk

CIRCULATION MANAGER Becki Everitt becki@tspmedia.co.uk

HEAD OF LANDSCAPE DIVISION Kellie Wake kellie@tspmedia.co.uk

AREA SALES MANAGER Wendy Ashwell wendy@tspmedia.co.uk

DESIGN & ARTWORK Scarlett Vaughan-Evans scarlett@tspmedia.co.uk