Benefits of green spaces

I congratulate this Government’s latest idea to provide green open spaces within a 15-minute walk of everyone’s homes.

I hope that the Environment Secretary

Therese Coffey not only provides sufficient funding for the development of vacant plots, but also for minimal maintenance by either local wildlife trust or local authorities or both.

It is a fairly simple task to spread subsoil or topsoil and sow wildlife-friendly grass and flower seed mixes over vacant areas in towns and cities, but these will require basic maintenance.

Removal of litter is essential and graffiti is important, as by not doing it, will attract anti-social behaviour.

Areas of grass will need strimming at least twice a year, especially in densely populated areas, with a high volume of properties to reduce fire risk, as seen during the hot summer of 2022.

The benefits to all who use them are worthwhile, as it is a well-known fact that by walking through green open spaces, being with nature gives a calming effect and helps us de-stress.

Planting trees and creating habitats in the form of log piles is so rewarding when you see wildlife adopting their new urban homes.

Also, by planting and caring of young British native trees, like oak, hawthorn and ash, by school children is of benefit to their own local environment, as seeing trees grow which is both educational and of benefit health-wise.

Government, please give sufficient funding to help communities develop and adopt local open spaces.

Planting trees and creating habitats in the form of log piles is

so rewarding