Issue - meetings

BCP Council owned green spaces already provide crucial support for our residents and local communities’ physical and mental well-being.

New green space priorities set out how our parks, gardens and nature reserves can play an even greater role in supporting people, as well as with nature recovery. Supporting the Big Plan and Corporate Strategy through our outstanding natural environment and with our vibrant communities playing their role in green spaces.

This report sets out these priorities, projects and strategy that will develop them further as we seek to collaborate, work in partnership, and maximise potential from our green spaces and advocate and inspire others to follow.

The Strategic Lead for Greenspace and Conservation and the Project Manager – Future Parks presented a report, a copy of which had been circulated to each Member and a copy of which appears as Appendix 'A' to these Minutes in the Minute Book.

BCP Council owned green spaces already provided crucial support for our residents and local communities’ physical and mental well-being.

New green space priorities set out how our parks, gardens and nature reserves could play an even greater role in supporting people, as well as with nature recovery. Supporting the Big Plan and Corporate Strategy through our outstanding natural environment and with our vibrant communities playing their role in green spaces.

The report sets out these priorities, projects and strategy that would develop them further as BCP sought to collaborate, work in partnership, and maximise potential from our green spaces and advocate and inspire others to follow.

The Board was provided with a presentation which detailed:

• Strategic Green Space priorities and links to health and wellbeing
• Health and wellbeing benefits of green space
• Green Infrastructure Strategy
• GI Evidence base
• The Parks Foundation – Nature Recovery Project
• Nature Recovery Plan – Branksome Recreation Ground
• Green Heart Parks and criteria
• Stour Valley Park
• Next steps and opportunities with the Integrated Care Partnership.

The Board discussed the report and presentation and comments were made, including:

• A Board Member who represented a volunteering network advised they had a long history of working with the Parks Foundation and offered support to help with funding if needed.  She also stressed that going forward enabling local communities and volunteers to sustain green spaces was essential for a sustainable and successful model.
• The was some detailed discussion around how the Board could support the strategic priorities and the positive impact in could have on all of BCP’s residents’ overall health and wellbeing and thereby reducing pressures on health services.
• The Chair concluded that the Board was very supportive, and the Director of Public Health Dorset advised that this work could be considered further through the development session being proposed for the Board later on the Agenda.

RESOLVED that the Health and Well-being board note the work being undertaken by BCP Council Strategic green spaces team and consider opportunities for further partnership working that improve these spaces and make a difference for residents.