Agenda item

The Commission considered a report setting out the progress in developing a new Parks and Green Space Strategy.

The Commission received the following public forum items in relation to this item:

1. Questions from Len Wyatt, Bristol Parks Forum, together with written replies from officers.

2. Statement from Len Wyatt, Bristol Parks Forum.

3. Statement from Susan Carter, Bristol Walking Alliance.

4. Statement from Heloise Balme, Bristol Good Food.

Key points highlighted by officers in presenting the report:

1. Work to develop a new Parks and Green Space Strategy (PGSS) had continued since the Commission had last been updated on 3October 2022.

2. It was expected that public consultation on the new PGSS would take place from the end of October for 6 weeks and that the strategy would ultimately be submitted for Cabinet approval in March 2024.

3. The strategy included updated strategic principles and proposed the overarching vision that by 2038, all Bristol residents would feel able to access fun, safe, sustainable parks and green spaces and experience associated health and wellbeing benefits.

4. Seven priority themes were included within the new strategy (with specific commitments against each theme):

Priority theme 1 - Nature and climate

Priority theme 2 - Children and young people

Priority theme 3 - Community participation

Priority theme 4 - Health and wellbeing

Priority theme 5 - Culture

Priority theme 6 - Skills and Employment

Priority theme 7 - Food growing

Summary of main points raised/noted in discussion:

1. In terms of the citywide map, it was noted that more detailed maps were available which showed a greater degree of granularity in terms of identifying different categories of green space.

2. It was noted that the strategy, through its ‘managing for nature’ approach, aimed to encourage opportunities to develop wildlife corridors and help create resilience for nature.

3. It was noted that the Food Growing and Allotments Strategy was now being included as a theme within the PGSS rather than as a self-standing strategy.  Some concerns were expressed about this component of the PGSS not therefore representing a fully comprehensive food growing strategy for the city as it was mainly focused on encouraging food growing on Council owned allotments.  It was noted, however, that the Food Growing and Allotments Strategy/Theme also aimed to ensure that people and communities from every area of the city could access suitable food growing opportunities, for example through collective food growing plots.  It was suggested that it would also be important to ensure that this theme aligned with the One City Food Equality Strategy.  It was also noted that the intention was to further develop the narrative under this theme prior to the PGSS being launched for public consultation.

4. It was noted that the Food Growing and Allotments Strategy/Theme also aimed to maximise the most effective use of existing allotment space. By establishing a stronger tenancy agreement, engaging more proactively with the city’s allotment associations and improving the information and guidance available to allotment tenants, the aim was to support a greater number of plots to be used to maximise food growing benefit.

5. It was suggested that in taking forward the consultation, ward councillors should be able to access detailed local maps, for example in relation to food growing and ‘managing for nature’ detail.

6. Also in relation to the food growing strategy, it was suggested that every effort must be maintained to engage as wide a public audience as possible; engagement with schools should also be encouraged where possible.  It was noted that some schools had been engaged with tree planting initiatives.

7. In relation to Priority Theme 2 - Children and young people, it was noted that minimum standards were set (caveated depending on funding availability) including the aim of ensuring a good mix of accessible facilities for children and young people, including a children’s play area within a 10-minute walk from home.  It was noted that residents’ needs in terms of parks and green spaces would inevitably vary by age group; many older people, for example, would likely tend to prioritise access to green space.

8. It was suggested that one issue that the authority should be open to was greener alternatives to cremation and burials; moving forwards, such alternatives could be considered as a more sustainable option than, for example, losing food growing land. It was noted that the Council aimed to provide fully inclusive options to families following a bereavement; therefore burials would be an ongoing option.  However, officers were aware that the market in this area was evolving and did consider alternatives and were mindful of more sustainable options as well.

9. It was suggested that it would be important to ensure ongoing effective communication to residents about the changes that had taken place in the grass cutting regime in relation to parks and green spaces, including a clear explanation about the environmental and ecological considerations which underpinned the approach.  It was also suggested that it may be useful to look to develop an online tool providing details to residents about when grass cuts would take place; it was noted that it may be possible to share mapping detail used by officers in managing parks and green space across the city.

The Commission RESOLVED:

- To note the report and the above information.