for greenspace definition described in Harrison et al. (1995), and
defining greenspace as including sites awaiting development and
land alongside waterways tracts of ‘ecapsulated countryside’
often existing within formally designated open space. Handley
et al. (2003a) (p. 4) state that “an area of managed parkland
or playing fields could also be said to be natural, at least in
part, if the appropriate criteria are met”. Using this definition,
urban greenspace includes many types of land in an urban setting
from formally designated areas such as parks, areas set
aside under legislation such as allotments, to more natural areas
such as nature reserves and corridors along river banks. Such
green areas account for around 14% of urban space nationally,
though in Leicester the area accounts for approximately 25% of
the city area. In 2004–2005, local authorities in the UK spent
an estimated £700 million on maintaining and renovating urban
greenspace as they have the key strategic role in ensuring sufficient
local provision of good quality urban greenspace, although
a number of other bodies, particularly housing associations may
be responsible for managing elements of greenspace (National
Audit Office, 2006).