Trust targets saving green spaces

The National Trust is to take a more positive environmental stance with a focus on protecting green spaces in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.

The move follows consultation among its 3.5 million members and the public on the importance to them of such areas.

A survey of 1,000 people suggested 94% wanted the trust to get more involved.

Its chairman Sir William Proby said the trust would work alongside communities and organisations, rather than "buying land from in front of the bulldozer".

'Quality of life'

He said: "We have asked National Trust supporters and the public whether we should be doing more to protect local green places.

"The answer has been a resounding 'yes' but we are not going to start buying land from in front of the bulldozers. That isn't what our supporters want."

Sir William added: "The public has told us that the National Trust should work more in partnership with communities to protect and look after their green spaces, and stand up for the importance of green places to people's quality of life.

"They also want us to share our experience of managing local green spaces with local councils and other partners to improve the quality of local green places on people's doorsteps. This will be the approach we take."

Park visits

The survey found one in four of those polled living in urban areas suffered from "green place poverty" - defined as access to two or fewer green spaces.

The main reasons given for visiting open spaces were for fresh air and space, for relaxation and to see wildlife.

People valued coastlines, beaches, parks and wild open spaces most highly, while wild open spaces and woodland were considered most at risk.

The poll also suggested that allotments were increasing in importance, as people turned to growing their own vegetables.

About half of those surveyed went to a park more than once a month, and about 3 in 10 visited wild green places, woodland, and riversides or canals more than once a month.

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