The value of green open spaces is multifaceted and extends beyond mere aesthetics. 

These spaces provide a wide range of social, economic, environmental, and health benefits. Having worked in the horticultural and sportsturf industry for more than fifty years I probably have, like many other turf professionals, a strong affinity with the importance of our green public open spaces.

 
We live in a densely populated country and our saving grace is the fact we have on our doorstep an abundance of valuable green space. However, it is high time we should be valuing its importance to society and our wellbeing. 

There are so many benefits from having a diverse green space close to you. Green spaces support diverse ecosystems, providing habitats for various plant and animal species. Trees and plants absorb pollutants and release oxygen, contributing to improved air quality. 

Tree canopies and grass areas help regulate temperatures, thus reducing the urban heat island effect and mitigates the impacts of climate change.

Access to green spaces encourages physical activity, reducing the risk of obesity and related health issues. Nature has also shown to have positive effects on mental well-being, reducing stress, anxiety, and depression. Green spaces serve as gathering places, fostering social interactions and community cohesion. The proximity to green spaces often enhances property values, attracting residents and businesses.

Attractive parks and green areas can boost tourism, benefiting local economies while at the same time providing venues for recreational activities such as jogging, picnicking, and sports.

Green spaces also help absorb rainwater, reducing the risk of flooding in urban areas along with acting as a natural filter, improving water quality in nearby water bodies.

Recognising and preserving green open spaces is crucial for sustainable urban development and the overall well-being of communities. As urban areas continue to grow, it becomes increasingly important to prioritise and protect these spaces to ensure a balance between development and the preservation of nature.

For several years now we have seen a dramatic decline in the investment in public parks and open spaces. I know this from my own personal contacts and membership of several relevant organisations associated with the management and maintenance of these valuable assets. 

The GMA, BIGGA, Parks Management Association, Green Flag Awards, as well as others such as Fields in Trust, BALI, The Landscape Institute, The Arboriculture Association, RHS, National Trust and the HTA all recognise the importance and value of the management and maintenance of these vital assets. 

I read with interest that the Horticultural Trades Association have officially released its Environmental Horticultural Manifesto outlining ten key priorities for a future UK Government. 

In summary these are:

• Maximise the value of the UK’s green spaces across key policy areas by delivering an Office for Green Spaces, a Horticulture Strategy and a health and well-being campaign.
• A bold national programme of urban greening supported by reformed planning processes and guidelines setting out clear targets in relation to location, green space, garden size and biodiversity.
• Build on the UK-EU Trade and Cooperation Agreement by negotiating an SPS agreement with the EU and delivering a functioning cross-border trade regime for plants.
• Work with UK horticultural experts to deliver a world-class plant health regime in order to safeguard a thriving UK horticultural sector and the UK’s natural landscape for future generations.
• Commit to a sustainable transition and timeline to peat-free horticulture from 2030 with a support package that grows the industry, supporting SMEs and the UK’s gardeners.
• Include environmental horticulture in the government’s green jobs and skills definitions and recognise the value of sector careers and opportunities from early curriculum to apprenticeships and degree level.
• Complete a review of and publish a strategy for the UK water sector, covering water resilience from flooding to drought, which recognises the importance of environmental horticulture growers and landscapers delivering and maintaining green spaces.
• Undertake a consultative review of current and future UK environmental and business regulation to ensure proportionality, allowing UK businesses to transition to NetZero, deliver on environmental and growth targets, whilst being competitive and viable.
• Make the UK a global leader in environmental horticulture through smart use of accessible R&D and grant support schemes for SME horticulture businesses, providing an economic and environmental return on investment.
• Ensure UK Public Procurement rules, guidelines and approaches at all-levels of government can be met and delivered by UK growers, landscapers and horticultural businesses, providing confidence to invest and grow. 

This is one of dozens of organisations that promote the importance of our natural landscape assets - however, like all organisations, they will be simultaneously promoting their own agendas. 

I firmly believe the only way to get government to change and finally invest more resources and money into managing our landscape assets for future generations, would be the coming together of these organisations to form a stronger, single coordinated voice to achieve the many outcomes we would like to see to better manage these vital green spaces. 

One main achievement would be for councils to be given a statutory status for maintaining their parks and open spaces, ensuring there is appropriate money from both public and private purses to pay for upkeep and maintenance of these precious assets.

So for me in our roles as turf professionals, we all must be aware of the value of our green and public open spaces. We need to manage and maintain these to ensure our future generations can enjoy the many benefits they offer, safeguarding everyone’s wellbeing.