The Challenge

The Urban Green Spaces Taskforce reported (2002) that the quality of parks and green spaces in England suffered a period of long-term decline throughout the 1970s, 80s and 90s, creating a cycle of neglect caused by:
An increasing backlog of repairs and maintenance
An uncertain future and policy framework
A lack of good practice
Declining and inefficient use of resources
Falling morale and skills

Since the late 1990s, greater priority has been given to the quality and future of urban green spaces. There has been more investment, more direction and support and an increasing range of good practice.

High quality green spaces are of immense value. For the 33 million people who visit them each year, they are places to exercise, relax, play, learn, socialise, rest, walk, cycle, or to use as outdoor classrooms to learn about the natural world. These spaces benefit the economy, the community and the environment. The benefits include cleaner air, healthier local economies, reduced flood risk and stronger communities. High quality green spaces have been shown to:
Support the local economy
making neighbourhoods more desirable
Enhance physical and mental health
Benefit children and young people
Reduce crime and fear of crime
Help make stronger communities
Help people move around neighbourhoods and towns
Enhance biodiversity and the environment