The condition of public urban parks and greenspace in Britain

Public urban parks and greenspaces are an important aspect of the urban env ironment. It was the UK that pioneered the concept of municipal parks in th e nineteenth century, for reasons of improved public health and a better en vironment, in response to the creeping industrialisation of our towns and c ities. For generations, public parks have contributed to the social, econom ic, environmental and cultural fabric of local communities, and it was loca l authorities which pioneered their provision, development and management. Such has been their success that almost every town and city has a public pa rk or network of public greenspace, and they now account for about 20% of t he developed land areas in England (13.5% in England and Wales). Their stat us and quality depends upon the good stewardship of local authorities. Howe ver, year-on-year budget cuts over the last thirty years, a lack of recogni tion of parks services in the Government's annual Standard Spending Assessm ent for local authorities, and the fact that provision of public parks is a non-statutory service of local government have all contributed to their de clining condition and status. This paper provides an assessment of the history, status and condition of p ublic urban parks and greenspace, and discusses how these important assets can be rejuvenated to service the needs of present and future generations.