The environmental, social and economic of benefits of parks and green spaces is recognised and their wide ranging benefits are well documented. Parks can be shown to play an important part in improving urban air quality and contributing to wildlife and biodiversity. They provide an opportunity to exercise, to participate in passive and active recreation and to be involved in a variety of social, cultural and community activities. Parks can help to support tourism, attract and retain businesses and increase property values. As such, high quality, well managed and maintained parks make a positive contribution to neighbourhoods and the quality of life of local people.

“The quality of public spaces affects all of us wherever we live and work. Safe, well-maintained and attractive public spaces have a critical role in creating pride in the places where we live which, in turn, is essential to building community cohesion and successful communities”