Have your say on the future of Spelthorne's parks, green spaces and wild places
The survey, which opened on Monday 17 August and closes at 11.59pm on Monday 21 September, will help inform the Council's emerging Green Infrastructure Strategy, a long-term plan which will guide how Spelthorne's network of green and blue spaces is protected, enhanced and expanded in the years ahead.
Green infrastructure includes parks, rivers, reservoirs, lakes, woodlands, allotments, nature reserves, playing fields and walking and cycling routes. These spaces play an important role in supporting health and wellbeing, tackling climate change, improving air quality, reducing flood risk, supporting biodiversity and creating attractive places to live, work and visit.
As the local area develops and grows, the Council wants to ensure that these valuable spaces remain accessible, connected and resilient for future generations.
The Council wants to hear the views from people who live, work, study or spend time in the borough to understand what matters most to them and how the borough's green and blue spaces can be improved for future generations. The survey asks participants to:
- Identify parks, green spaces, waterways and routes they use and value
- Highlight barriers or problems that affect their enjoyment of these spaces
- Suggest locations where green and blue infrastructure could be improved or created
- Share views on the priorities that should shape the future Green Infrastructure Strategy
Participants can use the interactive map to highlight places and routes that are particularly important to them. No specialist knowledge is required, and the Council wants to learn about people's everyday experiences, ideas and local knowledge.
The survey takes approximately 10 to 12 minutes to complete, with most questions being optional. Anyone interested in the future of Spelthorne's green and blue spaces is encouraged to take part.
To take part in the survey and find out more about the Green Infrastructure Strategy and the consultation, visit the Strategic Planning Engagement Hub here.
The feedback received will help shape the Green Infrastructure Strategy and the future of Spelthorne's parks, green spaces and nature. It will also help ensure the strategy reflects local priorities, supports climate change and nature recovery goals, and enables local communities to continue to benefit from high-quality green spaces as the borough's population grows.
For enquiries, please view the FAQs or email planning.policy@spelthorne.gov.uk.
Cllr John Turner, Chair of the Environment and Sustainability Committee, said: "Spelthorne's parks, rivers, woodlands and other green spaces are among our most valuable assets, providing important benefits for residents, wildlife and the wider environment. As we develop our Green Infrastructure Strategy, it is essential that we hear from the people who use and value these spaces every day. I would encourage everyone who lives, works or spends time in the borough to take a few minutes to complete the survey and share their views. Your feedback will help shape how we protect, enhance and connect our green spaces and rivers for future generations."