Typology of open spaces

Principle open space    types

Character and function

Greenway

A network of spaces    encompassing cycle and footpath routes, but also acting as ‘wildlife    corridors’ – enabling wildlife to travel through urban areas. Typically these    follow streams or disused railways, for example, with green fingers    penetrating from the countryside, through the town/city edge and into the    urban core.

Water way

Includes lakes, ponds,    rivers, canals and streams, which provide rich wildlife habitats, offer    recreational value and can be used as movement corridors.

Meadow

A public space for    informal recreation, located on the edge of a neighbourhood. Often part of a    flood plain comprising natural grasses and wildflowers.

Woodland / Nature    Reserves

A wood or coppice of    trees left in the natural state, interlaced with internal footpaths,    sometimes designated as a nature reserve, with restricted access to areas    rich in wildlife.

Playing field

Open spaces formally    laid out for active recreation, such as football or rugby- including golf    courses. Management / ownership can be shared between schools, clubs and the    wider community to ensure facilities are well used.

Churchyard, cemetery

Located adjacent to a    church and often providing a green oasis at the heart of a community.

Allotments

A semi-public    agglomeration of gardening plots rented to individuals by the local    authority.

Park

Regional parks,    metropolitan parks, district parks, local parks, small local parks and open    spaces and linear open parks.

Greenway

An informal grassed    public space associated with the focal point of village life, that sometimes    incorporates a football or cricket pitch.

Square

A formal public space,    no larger than a block and located at focal points of civic importance    fronted by key buildings, usually hard paved and providing passive    recreation.

Plaza

A public space    associated with the extended forecourt of commercial (office / retail)    buildings, with formal landscaping.

Communal garden

A semi-private space not    accessible to the general public, usually located within the interior of a    perimeter block, providing a centrally managed green space for residents.

Private garden

A private space located    within the plot of an adjacent building.

Playground

A small area dedicated    for child’s play, that is fenced and located within close walking distance to    nearby houses, overlooked by residents.

Courtyard

 A private open space often for vehicular    servicing/parking.

Atrium

A glass covered    semi-public or private space serving as a
     thoroughfare, seating area and sun trap for building
     occupants or visitors.