The story so far
Local authorities in the North West are increasingly engaging with and investing resources in green space community groups. Research undertaken by GreenSpace (the Community Networking Report, 2003) found that, across the UK, 4000 green space community groups, comprising half a million individual members, undertake eight million volunteer hours a year; an annual financial contribution of £35 million.
Green space managers in the region highlighted community involvement as a priority and therefore in 2005 the Community Involvement Working Group was established.
In February 2006 the group published a report 'Communities in the North West's Parks and Green Spaces' looking at how local authorities in the region currently work with green space community groups. The purpose of the report was to assess the current level of community engagement undertaken by local authorities in the region and to help the organisation develop services that will benefit green space professionals and communities across the north west.
The report reveals that local authorities in the North West recognise this massive contribution and are working hard to support the groups in their region.
96% of local authorities in the region work with green space community groups
90% provide managerial support.
28% facilitate a forum for groups
28% are planning to create a forum in the near future.
The majority of authorities would like to expand the number of green space community groups in their area. 59% want more groups, and on average aim to have 50% more groups in five years.
To aid them in their vital work supporting community groups, 96% of local authorities requested support from GreenSpace North West. This overwhelming response cements the organisation's plans to promote and support community involvement in parks across the region into the future.
As a result of the research report the Working Group identified a number of activities that they could undertake. One of these was to develop this web resource.
Green space managers in the region highlighted community involvement as a priority and therefore in 2005 the Community Involvement Working Group was established.
In February 2006 the group published a report 'Communities in the North West's Parks and Green Spaces' looking at how local authorities in the region currently work with green space community groups. The purpose of the report was to assess the current level of community engagement undertaken by local authorities in the region and to help the organisation develop services that will benefit green space professionals and communities across the north west.
The report reveals that local authorities in the North West recognise this massive contribution and are working hard to support the groups in their region.
96% of local authorities in the region work with green space community groups
90% provide managerial support.
28% facilitate a forum for groups
28% are planning to create a forum in the near future.
The majority of authorities would like to expand the number of green space community groups in their area. 59% want more groups, and on average aim to have 50% more groups in five years.
To aid them in their vital work supporting community groups, 96% of local authorities requested support from GreenSpace North West. This overwhelming response cements the organisation's plans to promote and support community involvement in parks across the region into the future.
As a result of the research report the Working Group identified a number of activities that they could undertake. One of these was to develop this web resource.