A guide to urban environmental action: taking the imaginative approach to raising awareness

The ultimate guide aimed at those interested in urban environmental action, from the concerned individual, through to project officers with responsibility for encouraging community action.

The key to successful city greening is community action. Urban conservation is all about local people doing something in their own locality with their neighbours, friends, workmates or club members, often with a knock-on benefit to the rest of the community.

What to expect

The Urban Handbook subjects

Community involvement

People working on a willow dome

A look at some important questions about any group or community project – setting up a group, involving others, and some activities you can run.

People and urban spaces

A view over an urban landscape in Belfast, Northern Ireland

The interaction of people and urban green space, including perceptions of green spaces, the way we use them and how much we care about them.

Urban habitats

A pond in an urban garden

The practical aspects of planning, creating and managing projects, including an introduction to various habitats and their management.

The Urban handbook: a practical handbook – chapters

The original, printed TCV handbook “The Urban Handbook, a practical handbook” contained 138 pages. Every one of these pages is included in these digital versions.

A brief introduction to this handbook and community involvement in managing urban green spaces.

Some important questions about any group or community project that need to be addressed.

Ideas on raising awareness and getting people involved, but without any long-term commitment.

The interaction of people and urban green space, including perceptions of green spaces, the way we use them and how much we care about them.

A look at urban habitats, their management and creation.

Practical action in the urban environment.

A look at trees in urban areas.

How to create and manage grassy areas for the benefit of wildlife.

How to create and manage ponds and wetlands.

Examples of community gardens around the UK.

A look at a range of things we can make or do – from bird boxes and hedgehog houses to recycling and seed collecting.

A list of suppliers mentioned in The Urban Handbook.

A list of books and other reading mentioned in The Urban Handbook.

What is in the handbooks?

Step by step

All the processes in the handbooks are explained in easy to follow language, using step-by-step guides that are ideal for all levels.

Clearly Illustrated

Over 2,000 helpful illustrations accompany the text, adding clarity.

Comprehensive

The handbooks cover all the topics you need to improve your skills and knowledge.

Definitive

Written by conservation experts, the handbooks are highly valued by users across the conservation sector.