Nantes Nord perimeter is the study area. This corresponds both to the diagnostic and evaluation scale. The intervention area focuses on a reduced area in the North of Nantes Nord, where are the priority districts (QPV), the social housing districts with concentration of difficulties. Located in the north-western part of the city, the “Nantes Nord” district is one of the 11 districts of Nantes municipality. It is itself subdivided in 9 micro-districts.

Urban woodland designed and managed according to ecological, aesthetic and economic principles. This NBS relies mostly on plant-based material, particularly on autochthonous vegetation. Plant species and habitat design should be chosen in accordance with local characteristics (climate, soil conditions, pollution levels, spatial needs and management capability). By using native vegetation its adaptation to the site is ensured, just like the performance in terms of water absorption and carbon fixation. Urban woodlands can help to raise social awareness towards ecological benefits of using autochthonous vegetation. At the same time, it contributes to sustainable development goals by promoting urban resilience to climate change and recreational opportunities.

Renaturalization of neglected and abandoned urban areas through green space development and conscious planting design, to restore important ecologic and social functions. In some remarkable sites they can be an important cultural manifesto: an opportunity to promote historical continuity between its past and the new layer of occupation. Promoting its character is an important step for a truthful relation with the site’s cultural identity, creating an opportunity to reflect on the damage inflicted by its previous occupation or, on the other hand, to celebrate the relevance of its past social and technological achievements. By recovering former abandoned spaces, this NBS creates opportunities for human use and wellbeing, while achieving ecological benefits such as treatment of polluted areas, habitat restoration and increase of local biodiversity.