Open & Green Spaces
We love our green and open spaces
Queen's Park & beyond
Did you know that BCP is one of the top five councils in the UK for public parks and green spaces?
We almost take these for granted, but it's estimated a single tree costs, on average, a local council £900 in maintenance and upkeep over a period of 25 years!
We're really fortunate to have so many green spaces and trees across the area, from the Chines and our tree-lined streets to the leafy domains Queen's Park.
Queen's Park is protected by the Five Parks Act, but many of the other green spaces we see daily are not.
One of our mandates is to work with the council in order to protect and maintain our local green spaces for the benefit of all, both human and nature.
A previously unloved plot of council land
Queen's Park West Drive Urban Garden
Litter strewn, overgrown and unloved and at risk of getting worse due to council funding challenges, we worked with the council to take over the space as a community garden.
Plants rescued from the King's Park nursery closure, coordinated by our ward councillors, and with the help of Karen and volunteers, we now have the makings of an urban garden to be proud of!
Our thanks go to SSE for giving us permission to add a mural to the garden wall.
The Issue
Council funding shortages meant the garden was gradually spiraling into further decline.
Assessment
We assessed the viability of clearing and maintaining the site, replanting and adding irrigation.
Engagement
We obtained council agreement to treat the garden as a pilot for community direct action and ongoing care.
Safety
Using our charitable status, we obtained the necessary insurance and undertook detailed health & safety and risk assessments.
Delivery
Work started in June 2024, adding underground water tanks for irrigation. Planting is now underway with the area looking cared for. Watch this space in 2025!
We are focused on a number of key local open spaces projects, with more to come
A much-loved community asset that was at risk of loss
The Woodpecker Cafe Children's Play Area
The Kingfisher Play area was built in 2013.
It was a long time in coming - over 100 years after a dedicated children's play area in Queen's Park was first discussed at Council in 1902!
Unfortunately, using natural materials such as softwood, along with insufficient maintenance, it reached end of life far earlier than it should.
The majority of the play area was closed due to health and safety concerns, but we were awarded a pivotal grant of £73,000 by Veolia Environmental Services that - along with BCP Council Plan for Play funding enabled this vital play area to be restored.
It reopened in 2026, rebuilt in a sustainable way with longevity in mind and a 15 year warranty on materials!
The Issue
The initial council assessment was not good, and as part of the overall play area assessment is at risk of being scrapped.
Assessment
Our charity has sought independent advice on the condition of the existing play structures, as well as seeking quotes for new play furniture.
Engagement
With the help of our ward councilors, we are proactively engaging with our council to explore how we, as a community, can return the play area to a usable condition.
Funding
With our charitable status enabling access to grant funding, along with local business sponsorship and community donations we hope to fund the project directly.
Delivery
We are working with the council to obtain agreement for us to take direct action, with the help of our volunteer community, to repair and rebuild.
Other Open Spaces Focal Areas
Some of the other open spaces projects we are currently looking at locally include