Council adopts new strategy for the borough’s green spaces

Approved at a meeting of the Council’s Executive on Thursday 23 October, the strategy is the first of its kind for the borough and recognises the pivotal role that parks and open spaces play in the quality of life for more than 150,000 residents and in improving environmental sustainability.

Cllr Nadean Moses, Executive Member for Green Spaces and Environmental Sustainability says: “Local people have told us that our fabulous green spaces – which include ancient woodlands and commons, more than 70 parks and play areas, as well as cemeteries and allotments – are some of the main reasons why they love Reigate & Banstead. We take our stewardship role very seriously and are committed to protecting what is great about the borough.

“We also think there are opportunities to make these much-loved green spaces even better to increase the health and wellbeing benefits they can provide and make them more enjoyable for all. Furthermore, incorporating more sustainable practices and supporting biodiversity is vital to improving our air quality and our resilience to the changing climate.”

This long-term strategy provides a clear and structured approach to managing the borough’s green spaces to balance the current and future needs and aspirations of the local population; as well as to enhance biodiversity. It prioritises activities that can help to address many of the key challenges facing the borough, for example:

• By incorporating sustainable practices, such as restoring and enhancing woodlands, grasslands and wetlands, green spaces can help to adapt and develop resilience to the impacts of climate change, such as extreme weather
• By providing facilities, such as outdoor gyms, and activities that people enjoy, green spaces can help to encourage healthier lifestyles which support better physical and mental health

This strategy will support and deliver outcomes identified in the Council’s Corporate Plan and Environmental Sustainability Strategy and focus the work of the Greenspaces service under three key themes: Health and wellbeing, Nature and Biodiversity, and Thriving Communities. It will inform management plans for the Council’s parks and open spaces that are efficient, effective and adaptable; whilst ensuring finite resources are suitably prioritised and appropriate funding opportunities are pursued.

The Greenspaces Strategy is available to read on the Council’s website at www.reigate-banstead.gov.uk/greenspaces-strategy