Aberdeen City Council

Aberdeen is a compact City of approximately 189 sq kilometres.It is flanked by 2 major waterways which originate outwith the city –

1. The River Dee to the South of the City which is a Special Area of Conservation and through it's Catchment Management Plan is a good example of collaborative working to improve the urban fringes which is influenced by the River Dee.In the city there is excellent access along the River Dee for salmon fishing, walking and recreation. The urban fringe in this area of the city is well used and is famed for its beauty.

 

1. The River Don to the north of the city which is known for trout fishing.In the city the River Don cuts through areas of industry and some deprived communities. Whilst the river is an important area to the city, access to the river for city residents is poor.However, there are areas of cultural and historic importance such as the Brig o Balgownie and Seaton Park.

 

Aberdeen is fortunate to have two Universities; the Macaulay Institute; the Scottish Agricultural College; and Aberdeen College in the city.Through past and present collaboration there is a wealth of knowledge for Aberdeen to draw upon.

Through SURF there is an opportunity to bring the community, landowners and stakeholder groups together in order to improve the city's urban fringes. In addition to this, Aberdeen will complete an Open Space Audit providing information for citizens to understand the quality of the city's public and private open spaces.Aberdeen's participation in the SURF Project can bring tools and experiences that can be shared with partners to enhance trans-national learning.

The project aims to:

'Empower Communities, Landowners and Stakeholder Groups to be able to make environmental decisions using the Council's Open Space Audit data to improve access, the river and creating economic opportunities on the Northern Urban Fringe using best practice and trans-national learning'

This will be done through:

• Forming a Project Group to oversee this project.
• Assigning Project Task Groups to undertake the relevant tasks required of this project.
• Completing and utilising the City's Open Space Audit as a tool.
• Using best practice models such as the Dee Catchment Partnership and trans-national learning to bring communities, landowners and stakeholder groups together in active partnership.
• Undertaking Community Engagement by way of using best practice tools in projects that specifically improve Aberdeen's Northern urban fringes - such as in the Granite Trees Project.
• Organising a Conference which brings all these elements together.