start-with-the-park

86 Start with the park
Introduction
The management of any green space must respond
to the inevitable natural changes that it will undergo
as it matures, and to changes in how people use it.
A successful design will itself take account of these
unpredictable factors, and will determine the levels of
resources and skills needed to uphold its quality and
value. Caring for a park or square means more than just
managing the horticulture. In many cases this is often
less demanding than managing how people use the
space. A green space management plan is an important
means of creating successful and inclusive places.
CABE Space has published guidance on how
to develop an effective plan. 23
High quality does not necessarily mean high levels
of maintenance or high cost. Maintaining wildflower
meadows, for example, can be cheaper than gangmowing
large areas of grass – and a field of brightly
coloured flowers may be far more appreciated by
the local community than a dull patch of grass.
A green space management
plan helps to create successful
and inclusive places. CABE
Space’s guidance recommends
a framework for creating
and delivering the plan to
maximise the benefits of a
specific local green space
Research shows that traditional
gang mowing of grass is often
more expensive than caring for
wildflower meadows or creating
woodland (Trees or turf? Best
value in managing urban green
space, NUFU 1998)