Green Urban Equity: Analyzing the 3-30-300 Rule in UK Cities and Its Socioeconomic Implications

Green spaces in cities have been demonstrated to offer multiple benefits to their inhabitants, including cleaner air, shade in sunny periods, and a place that contributes to mental well-being. In addition, trees in cities are home to several species of animals and work as a nature-based solution that can sequester CO2 and regulate water storage in urban ecosystems. The 3-30-300 rule space rule has been suggested as a strategy for city planners regarding urban forestry. This rule states that every resident’s home or workplace should be close to at least three trees, every neighbourhood should have a 30% canopy cover, and every citizen should have access to a public green space within a 300 m radius. Following this rule guarantees that all citizens obtain all the benefits of urban vegetation; however, this is not the case for all areas, particularly those impoverished ones where access to green spaces is limited, further contributing to social inequality. This study delves into the implementation of this rule across major UK urban areas, employing a blend of remotely sensed imagery, census data, ordnance surveys and machine learning methods. Our findings offer vital insights for city planners, emphasizing the need for a strategic approach to urban green space distribution that fosters social equity and environmental sustainability.