Built Environments

This Action Plan was named “Urban Environment” in the Wiltshire BAP 2002. It was decided that the name should be changed to “Built Environment” in order to encompass all manmade structures that aren’t necessarily only found in an urban setting.

Built Environment Man-made structures and associated land whose primary function is commercial/industrial, residential or formal recreation. It includes formal parks, village greens, allotments, churchyards and gardens. It also includes land associated with transport corridors, and previously developed land. The built environment often plays host to a wide range of habitat types as is shown by its definition above, while at the same time being home to large concentrations of people.

Although only about 10% of England is urbanised, some 90% of the population lives in urban areas (Defra, 2002), and thus most contact between people and nature is likely to be with urban species in urban habitats. This provides the unique opportunity to raise awareness among individuals and communities about the natural environment that surrounds their everyday lives. Green spaces have the added importance of having a social, recreational and aesthetic value for those living and working in the built environment, and the provision of green space as part of the work-place has been shown to reduce stress and the number of sick days taken by employees.

A Vision for Wiltshire’s Built Environment over the next 30 years… All of Wiltshire’s residents have access to high quality green space, and their gardens and school grounds are species-rich, having been designed with wildlife in mind. Overall, Wiltshire’s residents recognise the wildlife value of the built environment in which they live, work and play, and are actively involved in conserving it.

The Built Environment in Wiltshire

Wiltshire is a predominantly rural county, with a population of around 433,000, nearly half of whom live in towns or villages with fewer than 5000 people (Wiltshire County Council website).

If you have any questions about the Built Environment Action Plan or would like any further information please email us via the box below.