This report introduces the Assessment of Green Infrastructure Equity (AGIE) methodology, a new approach for assessing how equitably green infrastructure is distributed in relation to environmental and socioeconomic need. Using Plymouth as a case study, it demonstrates how AGIE can help local authorities identify neighbourhoods where targeted investment in green infrastructure can deliver the greatest benefits. We found marked disparities in GI equity across the city: highest priority neighbourhoods, which are clustered together, have less than one-tenth the greenspace per person compared to the least greenspace deprived areas, half the canopy cover, and more than double the proportion of man-made surfaces.
The findings, which align with existing local priorities, provide Plymouth City Council with a robust evidence base to target interventions such as street tree planting and greenspace improvements, monitor progress, and strengthen investment cases.
As well as the report, we also present a Methods document (with associated spreadsheets) which provides a step-by-step guide to conducting an AGIE assessment for other areas of England. Data for this are freely available, but access to ArcGIS Pro software or equivalent is required. It is also important to be aware that the AGIE methodology can currently only be conducted for urban areas in England, due to data availability.
The project was a collaboration between University of Oxford, the Woodland Trust and Plymouth City Council, funded by an Oxford Policy Engagement Network fellowship awarded to Dr Martha Crockatt.
Associated Spreadsheets
Partners
