Grey to Green

A crisis looms. With less money and too much carbon, we need more people, with the right skills to manage the landscape of our towns and cities.

Many green elements are already in place, but (like roads), their value lies in being networked.

What is needed is a well-maintained and well-connected system of parks, gardens, waterways, allotments and tree-lined streets.

This green infrastructure is a powerful weapon in the fight for stronger communities, healthier lives and a sustainable future.

CABE will launch Grey to green on 11 November: a public debate to shift funding and skills from grey to green infrastructure.

Landscape design is at the heart of great placemaking and is part of our cultural roots, from "Capability" Brown to the garden city movement.

Speakers include Dan Pearson, a leading landscape designer with a growing international reputation.

He will talk about the cultural value of green infrastructure, and what the special spirit of a place derives from.

His recent projects include the London Maggie's Centre, which has just won the 2009 Stirling Prize.