100 Miles Wilder provides an alternative, nature-led vision for the Oxford to Cambridge Growth Arc
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100 Miles Wilder provides an alternative, nature-led vision for the Oxford to Cambridge Growth Arc

Published on 8 September 2021

In February 2021, the government published a policy paper that set out how they intend to develop a Spatial Framework to help realise the ambition to support sustainable economic growth in the Oxford-Cambridge Arc. The area, which spans across the five counties of Oxfordshire, Buckinghamshire, Bedfordshire, Northamptonshire and Cambridgeshire, has been identified as the location for one and a half million new homes, new road and rail links, and new places to work.

The consultation document, Creating a Vision for the Oxford-Cambridge Arc, sets out the government’s first public consultation on the Spatial Framework - in which they are seeking views to help create a vision, and in doing so guide the future growth of the area to 2050. To ensure sustainability is embedded in the Spatial Framework they have also produced the Sustainability Appraisal and although it is reassuring to see the government addressing sustainability, it is imperative that they consider a wide array of factors.

Whilst these proposals have been established, there are many remaining questions about how the Arc vision will be implemented in different places and whether goals of growth, prosperity and sustainability are achievable in practice

100 Miles Wilder - The Wildlife Trusts © JTP

We have collaborated with The Wildlife Trusts within the corridor to conceive an alternative, nature-led vision for the Oxford to Cambridge Growth Arc. We call this vision 100 Miles Wilder; a bigger, better and joined up landscape at a macro-national scale.

This vision we believe will ultimately lead to a more prosperous economy and sustainable growth in which people and nature can thrive alongside each other. Together with The Wildlife Trusts, we have produced a vision map which demonstrates a new way of thinking about how places should be planned – with nature and people’s wellbeing at the centre.

100 Miles Wilder - The Wildlife Trusts © JTP
100 Miles Wilder - The Wildlife Trusts © JTP

100 Miles Wilder aims to protect natural and ecological assets, making the Oxford-Cambridge Arc a greener, wilder, and ecologically rich environment. The wilder network introduces blue and green infrastructure, alongside extensive sustainable modes of movement including pedestrian, cycle and boating connections. Wildlife connectivity has also been considered with nature corridors at a macro scale being strengthened to unite habitats. This approach will allow for the most valuable habitats to be protected, increase natural capital through connecting and enhancing ecological networks, and improve everyone’s access to nature. Coupled with a strategic environmental assessment and a sustainable travel index, this could inform the best places to build new communities.

© JTP

The benefits offered by public green spaces provide a compelling narrative and evidence base for increasing investment in wildlife and nature. Whilst the map and vision focus on the Oxford-Cambridge area, these principles and design ideas of 100 Miles Wilder can and should be utilised more widely on new places and neighbourhoods across the UK, simultaneously helping nature and planning for people.