1. Urban green spaces Ideas for the NEA
David Redfern
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2. Introduction
This presentation supports the article ‘Urban green spaces: novel ecosystems shaped by people’ in Geography Review Volume 31, Number 2.
The focus of this article may provide some contexts for fieldwork that could be used for the non-examination assessment (NEA) for A-level geography.
This presentation provides some guidance and ideas for such fieldwork.
Cover background Jeegoy Good/Fotolia
All other photographs: David Redfern
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3. Urban green spaces Possible locations for study: Parks and play areas
Urban woodlands
Gardens: public and private
Areas of urban wasteland
Urban wetlands
Green roofs and walls.
Some characteristics of some of these are shown on the next slide.
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4. Urban green spaces
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5. Urban woodland: Gledhow Valley Woods, Leeds
Possible investigation of:
Plant succession in the forest
Impacts on microclimate
Relative proportions of species
Aspects of biodiversity — threats?
Impact of footpaths (trampling)
Woodland management or conservations scheme(s) — strategies, success criteria
Possible conflict(s) of interest — sustainability issues?
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6. Community park: Sturton-le-Steeple, Notts
Possible investigation of:
Intentional vs unintentional introduction of plants
Impact of regular mowing and/or leisure use (trampling)
Variation of species by site
Possible conflicts of use — age/activities/time of day
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7. Urban wetland: Potteric Carr Nature Reserve, Doncaster
Possible investigation of:
Plant succession — hydrosere
Biodiversity issues — plants/birds/animals
Quality and suitability of access
Possible conflict(s) of interest — active v passive activities; sustainability issues?
Wetland management or conservation scheme(s) – strategies, success criteria
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8. Urban wasteland: former Horse Sales site, Doncaster
Possible investigation of:
Plant succession on a wasteland
Impact, and legacy of, pollution on the site
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9. Sustainable urban drainage system: Olympic Park, Stratford, London
Possible investigation of:
Urban drainage systems — strategies and success or otherwise
Water quality before/after
Attitudes to scheme

10. Green roof: Vancouver Convention Centre
Possible investigations:
Nature/species of plants involved
Relative proportions of planted vs colonised plants
Impact as sustainable urban drainage system
Impact on local climate
Impact on biodiversity
Attitudes to the roof/wall
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11. Useful websites
You could visit the following websites to investigate conservation areas and other green spaces in your nearest urban area: Or
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12. This resource is part of Geography Review, a magazine written for A-level students by subject experts. To subscribe to the full magazine go to:  
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