Green Spaces and Trees Strategy
Consultation Update March 2008
We are currently in the process of developing a Green Spaces Strategy, Trees Strategy and an Allotments Strategy. The drafts of these strategies have all now been through the process of public consultation, and have gone to the neighbourhood committees for comment. They are now finished and will be going to executive committee on the 11 March 2008. We would like to thank all those who took the time to read and comment on the documents. All comments will be taken in to consideration when finishing the strategies.
The final documents will soon be available for download at the bottom of this page.
What is a Tree Strategy
The tree strategy is being developed alongside the green spaces strategy and will be committed to the effective management, conservation and increase of our tree stock. It will adopt flexible management measures to meet any threats posed to our trees. The final document will be available to download soon.
Allotments Strategy
Allotment gardening is gathering popularity after many years of modest interest. Kingston has a waiting list of 247 people for the existing 1240 plots on 23 sites across the borough. Hence, the need for strategic direction for the enhancement and development of allotments that responds to current demand.
Allotments provide the opportunity for many people to engage in a healthy lifestyle all year round. As far back as 1908 it was recognised that local authorities must provide land for people to grow their own food, and a result there is a raft of laws that protect the land designated for allotment gardening and the tenure of allotment holders. However, allotment gardening is not only about food production it has the capacity to benefit the wider community. It can play a significant role in the protection and promotion of biodiversity, understanding and awareness of composting (diverting waste from landfill) and importantly provide opportunity for diverse community interaction. Overall the activities undertaken on allotments contribute to Kingston Council’s strategic vision of environmental sustainability and social inclusion.
The allotment strategy has now be completed and will be available to download in its final format soon.
What is a Green Spaces Strategy
It is our vision for using the boroughs green spaces over the next ten years and beyond. It is a framework developed around 10 priority functions that connect people and green spaces in a sustainable way.
They are:
- A bridge to the country
- A gateway to the town
- A health centre
- A classroom
- A recycling and renewable energy centre
- A productive landscape
- A cultural legacy
- A place for sustainable living
- An engine for regeneration
- A nature reserve
Why are green spaces important?
Well managed and designed green spaces, whatever their size or location, provide safe and attractive havens for people and wildlife. The management of green spaces is important to everyone, whether they visit them or not.
Why are we producing a Green Spaces Strategy now?
- The last Green Spaces Strategy (GSS) that Kingston produced is now old and no longer very relevant.
- The Council entered a 14 year Grounds Maintenance partnership with Quadron Services Ltd in February 2006
- Information gathered from an Open Space Assessment (Atkins 2006) includes quality, quantity and value of parks and open spaces which will be essential for the creation of the new GSS.