Maritime heather, (Erica vagans) in flower in August and view of Cornish coastline from Kynance Cove, The Lizard, Cornwall. Copyright National Trust.

Welcoming the National Trust’s proposal that it will “explore and give local support to local authorities, charities and communities in how to manage local heritage and green space”, Chairman of The Parks Alliance, Mark Camley, said:

“The parks at the heart of UK life and culture stand on the brink of a funding crisis with eight of ten facing further cuts to budgets and staff.

“More investment and innovation are needed to help local authorities and friends groups protect and improve the parks we use to rest, play, meet and get active. Working with local authorities and volunteers the National Trust can be a useful partner to develop a best practice model to protect a number of parks for future generations.”

The National Trust’s pledge is part its commitment to “help find innovative new ways to manage local parks and heritage”, and was included in its ten-year strategy published today: What does the nation need from the National Trust in the 21st century?

The report acknowledged that half of all visits to the outdoors are to local parks, but that while local authorities and small charities “do a great job” of maintaining parks, budget cuts mean many are “struggling to cope”.

As part of its plan for the future, the National Trust says it will “promote the importance of local heritage and green space […] celebrating why these places matter and how people can look after them.”

ENDS.­

For further information contact:

Hayley Hannan: 020 7685 2658, communications@theparksalliance.org

Twitter: @parksallianceuk