Edited by Gill Burrell, Friday, 25 Apr 2025, 16:50
In this assignment I shall be looking at Open green spaces, Canals and Rivers, why they should continue to be financially maintained by both government and charities, charities such as the Department for the Environment, Fisheries and Rural Affairs and the Canals and River Trust. I shall be exploring in particular three main concepts including- the environment, the economy and health
First let's have a look at the context.
" The network of canals in the Uk is over 200 years old and covers many thousands of miles"* Canals were once the main means of transporting goods around the country. during 18th & 19th centuries. After this came the railways. Later still the road network,s which were even faster at transporting goods and consequently canals fell out of use and ceased to be economically viable"*
However, today this network of canals is experiencing something of a revival , as they are brought up to date to 21st century life, of Business, the Environment, Economy and health.
So What are the Environmental Benefits?
Wenow know that Climate change is causing adverse effect on the environment worldwide, as well as in the Uk, with flooding and pollution in both urban and rural areas. Therefore, it is essential to have the appropriate drainage systems inland, as well as in rural locations. Let me just mention Hydro electricity, which is also an important source of renewable energy. This infrastructure is indispensable both in the present time as well as the future. Waterways are the ideal location for the purpose of harnessing hydro electric power.
Besides these obvious environmental benefits • There are other advantages too, such as the environmental rewards, that come from attracting diverse species such as birds animals and plants. Flora and fauna that grow in wetlands will enhance the area, a variety of birds that arrive here will regard these sites as a second home until it gets too cold. These diverse plants, birds and animals adds to the desirability for other species to settle, and consequently the animal and plant life increases in the area.
Secondly What are the Economic Benefits?
Attractive Waterfronts create pleasant places for people to visit, providing community assets and improving the quality of life in these locations.
The advantages are many, such as, cycling and walking along footpaths and tow paths, visiting coffee shops, museums and nature reserves, these are just some activities that are on offer. The natural beauty of such environments attracts visitors to the area with Tourism- from both national and international visitors, which brings employment and business opportunities thus boosting the local economy. Studies show the figure of £500 million per annum was arrived at, and income from tourism was estimated at £1.2 billion per annum. So quite significant in terms of the economy.*
Thirdly what about the Health Benefits?
The Health benefits of waterways and Canals- are Numerous. Watersports with opportunities for canoeing and boating, leisure centres for swimming and gym. Towpaths for walking and cycling, so plenty of possibilities for exercise, fresh air and keep fit. Cities are often unhealthy places to live, with heavy traffic, pollution, noise, violence and social isolation. Canals, rivers and green spaces on the other hand provide healthy recreation in peaceful surroundings, which is good for the mental health.
So there is the urgent need therefore, for Urban Green Spaces such as traditional parks and gardens. also ‘green corridors’ 'Green habitats’ green roof tops and vertical farms. These all make use of the spaces afforded by modern cities and are essential for exercise and good health of the city dwellers. Whatever their forms, urban green spaces, provide a wide range of valuable environmental services, with economic and health benefits to city dwellers for very little cost.
Green areas such as these have to be protected.
The need for the maintenance, of such green spaces and green corridors is indisputable. The consequences of reduced funding support for these green spaces, would have detrimental effects. Because these sites would fall into neglect, become unhygienic rubbish tips, and can even be dangerous places to walk through.
To conclude. Three aspects have been explored, that of- environment, economy and health, all of which are imperative for future generations, to continue to enjoy canals and rivers, and for all our citizens, for Touristic activities, Health benefits, and in the wider context, of the "Conservation of the environment."
Canals and Rivers-( Notes)
Open green spaces, Canals and Rivers, why they should continue to be financially maintained by both government and charities, charities such as the Department for the Environment, Fisheries and Rural Affairs and the Canals and River Trust.
I shall be exploring in particular three main concepts including- the environment, the economy and health
First let's have a look at the context.
" The network of canals in
the Uk is over 200 years old and covers many thousands of miles"*
Canals were once the main means of transporting goods around the country.
during 18th & 19th centuries. After this came the railways.
Later still the road network,s which were even faster at transporting goods and consequently canals fell out of use and ceased to be economically viable"*
However, today this network of canals is experiencing something of a revival , as they are brought up to date to 21st century life, of Business, the Environment, Economy and health.
So What are the Environmental
Benefits?
We now know that Climate change is causing adverse effect on the environment worldwide, as well as in the Uk, with flooding and pollution in both urban and rural areas. Therefore, it is essential to have the appropriate drainage systems inland, as well as in rural locations.
Let me just mention Hydro electricity, which is also an important source of renewable energy. This infrastructure is indispensable both in the present time as well as the future. Waterways are the ideal location for the purpose of harnessing hydro electric power.
Besides these obvious environmental benefits
• There are other advantages too, such as the environmental rewards, that come from attracting diverse species such as birds animals and plants. Flora and fauna that grow in wetlands will enhance the area, a variety of birds that arrive here will regard these sites as a second home until it gets too cold. These diverse plants, birds and animals adds to the desirability for other species to settle, and consequently the animal and plant life increases in the area.
Secondly What are the Economic Benefits?
Attractive Waterfronts create pleasant places for people to visit, providing community assets and improving the quality of life in these locations.
The advantages are many, such as, cycling and walking along footpaths and tow paths, visiting coffee shops, museums and nature reserves, these are just some activities that are on offer.
The natural beauty of such environments attracts visitors to the area with Tourism- from both national and international visitors, which brings employment and business opportunities thus boosting the local economy.
Studies show the figure of £500 million per annum was arrived at, and income from tourism was estimated at £1.2 billion per annum. So quite significant in terms of the economy.*
Thirdly what about the Health Benefits?
The Health benefits of waterways and Canals- are Numerous. Watersports with opportunities for canoeing and boating, leisure centres for swimming and gym. Towpaths for walking and cycling, so plenty of possibilities for exercise, fresh air and keep fit.
Cities are often unhealthy places to live, with heavy traffic, pollution, noise, violence and social isolation. Canals, rivers and green spaces on the other hand provide healthy recreation in peaceful surroundings, which is good for the mental health.
So there is the urgent need therefore, for Urban Green Spaces such as traditional parks and gardens.
also ‘green corridors’
'Green habitats’ green roof tops and vertical farms. These all make use of the spaces afforded by modern cities and are essential for exercise and good health of the city dwellers.
Whatever their forms, urban green spaces, provide a wide range of valuable environmental services, with economic and health benefits to city dwellers for very little cost.
Green areas such as these have to be protected.
The need for the maintenance, of such green spaces and green corridors is indisputable.
The consequences of reduced funding support for these green spaces, would have detrimental effects. Because these sites would fall into neglect, become unhygienic rubbish tips, and can even be dangerous places to walk through.
To conclude. Three aspects have been explored, that of- environment, economy and health, all of which are imperative for future generations, to continue to enjoy canals and rivers, and for all our citizens, for Touristic activities, Health benefits, and in the wider context, of the "Conservation of the environment."
Source Open Univesity