Ann Kolodziejski

Supervisor: Mark Baker and Joanne Tippett

The aim of the research is to evaluate the role of envisioning as a tool for engendering a sense of place and as a catalyst for an ecologically-informed use of landscape.

Humans depend on the landscape, and on the ecosystem processes that take place within landscapes, for their survival and well-being. Substantial losses and degradation of these vital functions continue apace and are set to continue as threats from human actions persist (e.g. Millennium Ecosystem Assessment, 2005). Many studies on landscape processes have solely concerned themselves with bio-physical factors, but there now seems to be an acknowledgement by many researchers that the human dimension must be included if effective solutions to environmental problems are to be addressed.

Envisioning has been successfully used in many spheres and is deemed to be of value in enabling the construction of shared visions and desirable outcomes (Costanza, 2003; Luz, 2000). According to Leeuwis (2000) such 'social learning' can foster an understanding of the interconnected nature of environmental problems in community groups, leading to longer term visions of the landscape being created.

There is an emerging research interest into and need to understand the relationships between people and their environments, and how these relationships are constructed (Rogan, O'Connor & Horwitz, 2005). It has been suggested that environmental protection has little chance of success unless there is a real cultural concern for nature and that engendering a 'sense of place' may be vital if conservation objectives are to be achieved (Cameron, 2003; Adams, 2003).

This research will apply an established envisioning technique (DesignWays) to evaluate its use as a means of nurturing a deeper 'sense of place' and connection to the local area, with a particular focus on utilization of the landscape in an urban area. This will build on recent applications of the DesignWays approach to landscape planning (Tippett, 2004; 2005).

Working with local decision makers and community members, the perceptions and use of the landscape will be evaluated before and after the envisioning process, in order to gain an insight into the efficacy of such participative fora in terms of positive changes to the way the local landscape is conceptualised and utilised.

Adams W M (2003) Future Nature: a vision for conservation. Earthscan, London

Cameron, J (2003) Responding to place in a post-colonial era. In Adams W M & Mulligan M (Eds.) Decolonising Nature: strategies for conservation in a post-colonial era. Earthscan, London

Costanza R (2003) A vision of the future of science: re-integrating the study of humans and the rest of nature. Futures (35). Pergamon

Leeuwis C (2000) Reconceptualising participation for sustainable rural development: towards a negotiation approach. Development and Change, 31 (5) 931-959

Luz, F. (2000) Participatory landscape ecology - A basis for acceptance and implementation. Landscape and Urban Planning 50 (1-3), 157-166

Millennium Ecosystem Assessment (2005) Millennium Ecosystem Assessment Synthesis Report, Pre-publication Final Draft Approved by MA Board. pp. 219.

Rogan R, O'Connor M & Horwitz P (2005) Nowhere to hide: Awareness and perceptions of environmental change, and their influence on relationships with place. Journal of Environmental Psychology 25, 147-158

Tippett J (2004) A participatory protocol for ecologically informed design within river catchments. School of Planning and Landscape. Manchester , University of Manchester : unpublished Ph.D. thesis, 537 pgs.

Tippett, J. (2005) Manchester, Biodiversity Strategy - Stakeholder Workshop - SUMMARY REPORT. Manchester, Manchester City Council: 26.