Green spaces have a key role to play in recovery

The new Parks and Green Space Network has called on the government to seize a ‘once in a generation chance’ to deliver a truly green economic recovery from coronavirus.

During lockdown, parks and green spaces have been rightly championed as crucial assets to maintaining people’s physical and mental health, becoming a vital part of the national response to the pandemic.

The Parks and Green Space Network says that there is now an opportunity to make parks and green spaces a central part of the nation’s economic and social recovery, recognising their role in improving public health, addressing climate change and reversing biodiversity loss.

Research shows that for every £1 invested in urban green spaces, urban communities receive £7 in well-being benefits. Parks in England deliver over £6.6 billion of health, climate change and environmental benefits each year, including £2.2 billion in avoided health costs alone. To seize these opportunities, the government must give them the support they need.

The organisation’s new report recommends that the government ‘level up’ access to parks and green space and invest at least £1 billion per year into parks and green spaces. The group says that we need ‘shovel-worthy’, not just ‘shovel-ready’ projects, delivered in ways that address climate change, prioritise communities most in need, and improve our quality of life.

Matthew Bradbury, chairman of The Parks Alliance, said “To guarantee that the multiple benefits of parks are secured for the next generation parks must be part of the Green Recovery. After years of under funding and neglect they need investment to bring them up to standard and ensure that everyone can enjoy and benefit from a great park. A truly ‘Green Recovery’ will invest in the green space sector as an industry of the future uniquely placed to tackle the 21st century challenges of public health, climate change and environmental protection and one that provides a significant return for the investment made. It’s time to make parks count.”