Newhaven Open Spaces Project
Improving the open spaces of Newhaven has been identified as a component of the wider economic, social and cultural regeneration of the town. The role of natural spaces in the context of an industrial town, their contribution to health, leisure, education and the environment cannot be over stated. The open spaces project aims to support community groups in the development, management and maintenance of open spaces in Newhaven.
The open spaces project aims to:
- Encourage greater use and appreciation of Newhaven's open spaces
- Involve the whole community in the design and delivery of services and provision within our open spaces
- Provide opportunities for working, learning and volunteering that promote interaction with the natural environment
- Develop partnerships between emerging and existing open space improvement groups, Town, District and County Councils, conservation groups, schools and other relevant stakeholders
- Provide policies and guidance that will ensure future participation is achieved within a sound equalities framework
- Initiate the formation of an Open Spaces Trust or protocol of joint working for Newhaven
In 2006 / 2007 the Open Spaces Project succeeded in:
- Seeking the commitment of all partners to devlop an independent Open Spaces trust arrangement for Newhaven
- Obtaining a Heritage Lottery Project Planning Grant to secure the post of the Open Spaces Development Worker and an Environment Agency grant for the services of a Community Development Worker
- Beginning the processes of audience development and participatory appraisal which will determine the significance of open spaces to the town's people and identify opportunities for volunteering, learning and working related to the natural environment
- Initiating habitat surveys to determine the nature conservation value of four open spaces around the town
- Generating wide community interest and involvement through public consultation, visitor surveys and newsletters
Steering group:
The Open Spaces Project has been advised by a multi-agency steering group comprsing landscape and conservation professionals drawn from East Sussex County Council and Lewes District County Council and representation from Newhaven Town Council and the Castle Hill Group
User involvement:
- Active and ongoing consultation through questionnaires and visitor surveys
- A commitment to the principles of audince development to identify and engage with under represented user groups
- The formation of 'Friends of' and site management committees drawn from the community
Staff:
Community Development Worker Sally Foote
Open Spaces Development Worker David Clay (from May 07)
