Charity aiming to deliver fresh ideas for our parks

A charity hopes to “breathe new life” into Bath parks after launching with nearly £200,000.

The Bristol and Bath Parks Foundation was set up with the aim of finding new ways to fund and use green spaces as councils face a funding squeeze from government.

The charity said it will work to “support aspects of parks that make an extra difference to their communities”.

Examples may include:

■ Helping to increase access;

■ Supporting health initiatives;

■ Enhancing well-loved features; ■ Developing innovative ways to generate funds;

■ Encouraging volunteering to make parks better for all.

Inspiration will be taken from the Bournemouth Parks Foundation model, which has raised over £500,000 of funds since 2015.

Bristol Parks Forum secretary and charity trustee Rob Actoncampbell said: “This is a brilliant opportunity to breathe new life into our parks by increasing community engagement and finding new funding sources outside of the local authorities.

“It’s a model that has proved incredibly successful in Bournemouth, and we look forward to having a similar impact across the beautiful green spaces of Bristol and Bath.”

The charity launched at the Festival of Nature in Green Park, Bath, earlier this month.

It received a start-up grant of £193,000 last year as part of the Rethinking Parks programme, funded by the National Lottery Community Fund, National Lottery Heritage Fund and Nesta.

The charity will be working in partnership with B&NES Council, Bristol City Council, the Bristol Parks Forum and the Natural History Consortium. Ownership and maintenance of the parks remains with the councils.

People’s views on their parks are being sought by the charity.

Actors from the Natural Theatre Company and local illustrator Sam Church will provide an entertaining way for people to share their stories and ideas for the future.

Over the next two years the charity aims to identify a range of sites that require improvements or enhancements and launch its first fundraising initiatives.

Visit the websites www.yourpark. org.uk and www.bbpf.org.uk to find out more.