In autumn 2023, 50 Bristol locals convened to explore ways to secure the future of Bristol’s open spaces for generations to come.
The “Making Our Futures” event was organised in collaboration with the local RSA Fellowship, Your Park and The Schumacher Institute.
The event brought together many attendees from different walks of life, including public sector managers, activists, artists, wildlife lovers, and even commercial investors. And that’s just scratching the surface. Many participants had previously held leadership positions in Bristol and enjoyed coming together in a collaborative space. This was an opportunity to leave any representational responsibilities behind and to learn, connect and collaborate. Being part of the RSA Fellowship allows diverse groups of individuals to come together and contribute their ideas in a dynamic setting. To connect internationally with innovators and entrepreneurs alike, find out more about becoming a Fellow with the RSA.
The discussions were enhanced by personal, historical and future-focused perspectives, drawing on the huge range of skills and lived experiences of those present. The purpose? To start building a “generational legacy” to benefit Bristol’s growing population through sustainable energy generation, biodiversity and the promotion of healthy, active communities.
Bristol spans a huge area of 11,000 hectares (27,000 acres). Bristol City Council (BCC) manages 4,747 hectares (12,000 acres) of this. The BCC estate’s parks comprise 60% of land and 25% of Bristol’s total area.
The Parks and Green Spaces service at the BCC has faced a dramatically declining budget since 2010. To address these budget pressures, the service has introduced new income streams to support Bristol’s open spaces. However, the design, development and outreach functions associated with BCC’s stewardship of parks and green spaces have been minimised. With population growth estimates suggesting Bristol may see 80,000 to 100,000 new homes by 2030, pressure is building to maintain and secure more open spaces for the community.
Actionable ideas and suggestions for the long-term preservation of Bristol’s open spaces were shared at different levels. Solutions to these pressing issues focused on the following themes:
Given the success of this event, the local RSA Fellowship, Your Park and The Schumacher Institute will continue to work together bringing in their collective skills and networks to keep up momentum. These parties will also liaise with Bristol City Council and newly elected representatives to facilitate an important conversation on what exactly is needed to preserve Bristol’s open spaces.
In addition, these organisations will join together to convene as a facilitated network to guide ongoing efforts. This will allow for more key stakeholders to join the conversation, addressing practical challenges such as health and safety or engaging with developers and investors.
By informing future initiatives through shared expertise and experience, this network will play a fundamental role in safeguarding and maintaining Bristol’s open spaces for many years to come.
Ted Fowler FRSA
07544 764204
[email protected]
Kate Monkhouse
RSA Fellowship Area & Engagement Manager
[email protected]
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From our online global community platform Circle to enhanced local co-working spaces and personalised communications, we’re doing all we can to facilitate engagement with the RSA.
