Our story so far
GreenSpace South West is emerging as the leading membership organisation for parks and green spaces within the region. Originally called the 'South West Parks and Green Spaces Forum', it was established following an initial meeting in Bristol in 2004. This meeting was attended by around half of the local authorities in the region, who agreed the need to establish a forum for the region.
Since the initial meeting, four 'Open Meetings' which are open to all members have been held each year. Open Meetings are based around topics set by the group, and include presentations and discussion sessions, also offering networking opportunities. Themes for Open Meetings have included GreenSpace Strategies, the Green Flag Award scheme, Young People and Play and the Cultural Olympiad.
Open Meetings are supplemented with quarterly Steering Group meetings, which have been held since 2006. The steering group was formed from members that offered to represent their county areas. A Natural England representative is also present on this group, to assist with strategic functions. The steering group was assigned to lead and steer the work of the Development Manager and to develop the Forum.
The Forum agreed to brand itself alongside the national organisation to reinforce its links and became GreenSpace South West in 2005. The group agreed their first Terms of Reference, including mission statement, aims and scope in March 2005, stating that it would be useful to review and modify these as the forum develops. In 2007 a Development Manager was appointed and the first Working Group was formed, to focus on training and skills. In 2010, GSSW submitted an Access to Nature application to Natural England. If the bid is successful, it will improve access and opportunities for learning, creativity and health across the South West region.
Since the initial meeting, four 'Open Meetings' which are open to all members have been held each year. Open Meetings are based around topics set by the group, and include presentations and discussion sessions, also offering networking opportunities. Themes for Open Meetings have included GreenSpace Strategies, the Green Flag Award scheme, Young People and Play and the Cultural Olympiad.
Open Meetings are supplemented with quarterly Steering Group meetings, which have been held since 2006. The steering group was formed from members that offered to represent their county areas. A Natural England representative is also present on this group, to assist with strategic functions. The steering group was assigned to lead and steer the work of the Development Manager and to develop the Forum.
The Forum agreed to brand itself alongside the national organisation to reinforce its links and became GreenSpace South West in 2005. The group agreed their first Terms of Reference, including mission statement, aims and scope in March 2005, stating that it would be useful to review and modify these as the forum develops. In 2007 a Development Manager was appointed and the first Working Group was formed, to focus on training and skills. In 2010, GSSW submitted an Access to Nature application to Natural England. If the bid is successful, it will improve access and opportunities for learning, creativity and health across the South West region.
Geographical Area
GreenSpace South West defines the geographical borders of its operation as the South West covering the sub regions and county areas of Wiltshire, Avon, Gloucestershire, Somerset, Dorset, Devon and Cornwall.If you are not in the South West region, there may be a forum in your area. To find out about other regional forums go to the GreenSpace website regional forums page.