Geoscience Reference
In-Depth Information
River Cole
River Skerne
100%
1997
2008
1997
2008
80%
60%
40%
20%
0%
Ver y
satisfied
Quite
satisfied
Not very
satisfied
Not at all
satisfied
Don't
know
Ver y
satisfied
Quite
satisfied
Not very
satisfied
Not at all
satisfied
Don't
know
Figure 20.5
Level of satisfaction of the River Cole and River Skerne rehabilitation projects, comparing public
perception data from 1997 and 2008.
On the Cole, recreation opportunities were largely
perceived as having remained the same, but with
a slight reduction in 2008; one reason highlighted
was the lack of access or circular routes in the
downstream section. Flooding was also mentioned
by several respondents as the main reason causing
reduced recreational opportunities along the River
Cole, notably through increased inundation of the
village football pitch.
Most residents living near the River Cole had
strong views either for or against flooding, but
understanding the ecological benefits appeared to
play a major part in creating positive attitudes. The
majority of respondents at the River Skerne did
not see flooding as causing any major problems
or nuisance, but there were no strong views in
favour. Security was perceived as remaining the
same or increased at the Skerne, while flooding and
bare river banks were seen as a security issue for
children at the River Cole.
There was a marked contrast in overall
satisfaction levels between the Skerne and
Cole sites (Figure 20.5). The vast majority of
respondents at the River Skerne had a positive
attitude towards the rehabilitation; in 1997 82%
were satisfied with the project while in 2008 the
figure was 90%. The satisfaction level for the
Cole rehabilitation declined from 70% in 1997
to approximately 50% in 2008. In addition to
physical appearance (including vegetation, wildlife
and recreational facilities), satisfaction was strongly
associated with community benefits and levels of
public participation.
Public participation is now an integral part of
almost every environmental design project and
is also generally promoted through policies and
legislation (Council of the European Communities,
2000; HarmoniCOP, 2005; Pahl-Wostl, 2006).
However, there are major differences in the
perception of river rehabilitation projects, and our
research has shown how local sense of pride,
ownership and care for a project can be influenced
by different levels of public involvement. At
both sites local residents were informed about
the project through public meetings, site visits,
information boards, newsletters and other forms
of communication. At the River Skerne, local
residents were also consulted about parts of the
project before construction, so people had the
chance to influence the design of features such as
new footbridges or tree planting (River Restoration
Project, 1995b). In addition, local school children
were involved, notably to help with tree planting.
This generated a sense of inclusion, ownership,
pride and care for the area, which is important
for encouraging environmental interest from the
younger generation. The role of a local liaison
officer as a mediator between those carrying
out the project and local residents was also
important in helping the success of the Skerne
project
(Tunstall
et al.
,
2000;
McDonald
et al.
,
2004).
