Celebrating the value of our parks

n the first lockdown we all learned to value our parks and green spaces.

Horsham Park was essential for exercise and wellbeing.

Poets’ Corner proved a great legacy for socially distanced get togethers; the calm and beauty of Park House Garden was a sanctuary for many; newly opened Kaya café buzzed with friends meeting for a safe coffee and then there was all that space for exercise and for small groups to spread out.

The value of Horsham Park to our community was celebrated at the third AGM of the Friends of Horsham Park.

Despite the year’s challenges, there was much to celebrate, including the CPRE award of a Green Flag for the park. This award recognises that our park is a welcoming place, a great facility and well maintained. It was achieved through the hard work of many different people and organisations including the Council’s Parks and Countryside team and the many volunteers who weed and plant, cut back and litter pick and who promote and protect the park.

The Green Flag report commented that it is unusual for an urban park to have such strong community involvement.

Horsham Park

What motivates all those involved? There are almost as many reasons as there are volunteers. Some are involved to be part of something bigger than themselves, because it gives a sense of achievement; others are motivated by protecting the park for future generations or making it a more inclusive place; for others it is the sheer delight of nurturing plants, creating beautiful spaces or providing conservation habitat for endangered species such as hedgehogs, bumblebees and stag beetles.

Whatever the motivation, the result is that our community is richer for having such a well-cared for green space.

The park has more potential too – to help us address today’s challenges of wellbeing, species extinction and climate change. Together we can do many small things that create change for good, whether it is using the recycling bins, planting bulbs for early nectar, encouraging our children to enjoy outdoor play, inviting a lonely friend to go for a walk, or helping others to be inspired by and care more for nature.

Our ‘Tree of the Week’ newsletter and social media posts is a good example of a small thing making a difference. Since the first lockdown we have covered over 30 of the splendid trees in the park. Taking time to look, notice and to hear their stories has been inspiring.

Although the weather will not be so enticing for this third lockdown, I am sure our green spaces will provide a wonderful refuge and source of inspiration for us all.

Free Zoom workshop on creating eco and wildlife friendly gardens book free ticket the Zoom event https://www. sussexgreenliving.co.uk/events/