A walk in the park with…Ken Worpole

Posted on April 13, 2012 by

Said to be ”one of Britain’s most influential writers on architecture, landscape and public policy issues,” writer and public policy adviser Ken Worpole will be giving the opening talk at the GreenSpace Leaders Conference in May, looking at the history of parks and green spaces.  We caught up with him to find out how he most enjoys his local green space.

What park do you usually visit? Clissold Park, Hackney

How often do you visit this space? At least once a day when working from home, which is most days. Continue reading →

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Finding Funding Faster means Speaking the Funders’ Language

Posted on April 12, 2012 by

Before you launch into fundraising for your project, make sure that you have done everything you can to ensure that you have the best possible chance of succeeding: start by creating your vision and be crystal clear defining it. If you are applying for grants, you need this to build your case for fundraising.

Involve your community. Make sure you ask the right questions at the beginning of your community consultation process and do your research. Get everyone on board defining what they want, why they want it, what problem it is solving and what the positive outcomes will be – this is what funders want to know. In this competitive funding environment, you need to establish a strong case for your project. Funders will want to know that there is a proven NEED and that the OUTCOMES of the project reflect their funding criteria e.g. improved access to services, supporting the local economy by creating new services, providing a stimulating and safe environment for children, etc.

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Your country needs you: Great British Walking Challenge

Posted on April 11, 2012 by

This May, Living Streets is urging people across the country to take to their feet as part of Great British Walking Challengethe Great British Walking Challenge. Every step will count as we unite on a mission to see how many times we can collectively walk between Land’s Endand John O’Groats.

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Rob Noble set to inspire delegates in beautiful Jephson Gardens

Posted on April 4, 2012 by

After a full day of learning on day one of our leadership conference, delegates will be awakened with an early evening stroll through the beautiful Victorian oasis that is Jephson Gardens and into the stunning subtropical glasshouse where they can enjoy refreshments and a representation of plant evolution from approximately 500 million years ago to the present day!

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What’s happening with skills in horticulture – part two

Posted on April 2, 2012 by

Dave Tibbatts calls for parks departments to invest in staff.

GreenSpace Leaders 2011: Delegates on a group exercise at Kew

The scope and variety of careers that are available within our sector are immense, with environmental skills council Lantra listing over 200 career options that are available within the horticulture industry. From gardener to woodsman, park ranger to environmental policy officer, the options for a career in green space are vast and investment should be ploughed into promoting the huge variety of benefits and potential for progression that our industry offers.

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