After World War II, when there was much slum clearance, urban renewal and zoning in line with the ideas of architect Le Corbusier, parks were not seen as a priority.

Instead, open spaces were laid with nothing but grass, simply because these seemed to be easier and cheaper to maintain.

But they were 'green deserts'; devoid of interest and biodiversity - trees, shrubs and wildlife.

More imaginative use of these spaces can lead to multiple benefits, without necesarily costing more to maintain. For example, seeding wild meadow flowers and altering the mowing regime can create beauty and support insects and birds.

Monoculture in the countryside

The countryside is also often little more than a green desert too. The 20 acre Visitor Centre at the Centre for Alternative Technology in Wales sustains far more wildlife than the surrounding 'green deserts' of pine plantations and sheep pastures, despite hosting 80,000 visitors a year and a permanent settlement.

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Architect Le Corbusier and his work (below): Le-Corbusier-Haus, Berlin, and a typical example of his influence, Salford Flats.