The GI Audit provides a robust evidence base of Westminster's green assets, which will support the implementation of its City Plan. The findings will inform their future GI Strategy, develop policy, and aid WCC’s decision-making. Reflecting the complexity of the work, LUC worked with numerous WCC departments and key stakeholders engaged in the delivery of GI within Westminster.

The Audit accurately maps, describes and analyses all existing GI features within the borough. It outlines GI’s functional benefits and identifies opportunities to improve existing and create new GI. These improvements will provide multi-functional benefits to people, the environment, and the economy.

This truly cross-team project included our landscape, strategic planning, historic environment, and ecology specialists working with our visualisation experts to produce the Audit. We applied the Natural England GI Framework, a tool that places GI at the top of the planning agenda and supports the multiple benefits delivered by GI. The GI Framework also links the planning, design and delivery of GI into other initiatives including Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG), Local Nature Recovery Strategies (LNRS) and natural capital.

The Audit included specific assessments of the tree network, a Sites of Importance for Nature Conservation (SINC) review, and a matrix-based assessment of BNG opportunities.

This project provides baseline and priority opportunities to inform the future GI Strategy and contribute to enhancing GI and biodiversity in the city’s urban context.