Greenspaces are a valuable asset to the Wakefield community and, as part of its commitment to enhance the social, economic and environmental well-being of local citizens, we have produced a Greenspace Strategy.  It sets out the policies and measures required to protect and improve the District's greenspaces.

The strategy complements the corporate strategic approach to improving the quality of life for the whole community by helping achieve the 'challenges' of Fast Forward, the Community Strategy.  It also fits, in the wider context, with associated national and regional strategies.

Importance of Greenspace

We recognise that good quality greenspace enhances the quality of life of local citizens and has a positive impact on their health and well-being.  It provides settings for a wide range of social and recreational activities; promotes biodiversity and nature conservation; enhances the visual environment and can contribute in a number of ways to the economic development of the district.   Involving local people in the design and management of greenspace also helps to develop a sense of community pride and cohesion.

Development of a Greenspace Strategy

The Greenspace Strategy was developed by the Wakefield Greenspace Partnership comprising officers and representatives of Wakefield Council, BTCV Wakefield and Dewsbury, Groundwork Wakefield and Wakefield West Primary Care Trust. 

The first step was to commence the research, consultation and the identification of issues. This took place in three main phases which are listed below:

Phase 1.  "Peoples Voices Open Spaces"
The programme began with independent research qualitative to gather information on the perceptions and opinions of local community groups. These have been reproduced in the report "Peoples Voices Open Spaces" which is available to download from this web site.

Phase 2.  The Greenspace Audit
The next step was to provide an accurate picture of existing provision and of the quantity and distribution of Wakefield's greenspace. This was assessed by a physical survey of the estimated three thousand sites in the district, as well as a questionnaire for residents. 

We conducted a far-reaching consultation programme to discover recreational needs, greenspace preferences, user profiles and the frequency and manner of use of greenspace. We sent out almost 8000 questionnaires across the District, including one designed to discover children's play preferences. 

The findings and analysis of the research were recorded in the Audit document. Maps and tables illustrate the key findings.

Phase 3  The Greenspace Strategy Consultation Draft
A consultation draft of the strategy was posted on this website to give residents, businesses, agencies and stakeholders the chance to comment. We used the responses and feedback to make any necessary changes to the strategy.

The Wakefield District Greenspace Strategy 2004 – 2009  & ‘Treescapes’ A Tree and Woodland Strategy for Wakefield District 2004 – 2009

We recognise that our parks, greenspaces and woodlands are a precious asset and these strategies are our commitment to improve provision, for the benefit of current and future generations. They will inform policy on how the district will look over the next decades. They set out our targets to be achieved by 2009, such as increasing woodland cover, completely refurbishing 40 playgrounds, and producing a specific strategy for Parks and one for Allotments.    

The strategy documents are available to view or download from this page. Or you contact us to leave details of your name and address so that a copy of the printed booklets can be sent to you.