Environment & Blue-Green Spaces

Citizen Action Group

Lead Members

Anusha

Nikhil

Context

In 2017 43.8% of Thames Ward was open space, though since then much of that has been developed for residential use, with more to follow. As the population rises the need to protect and enhance existing green and blue spaces becomes ever more important. The rise in extreme weather conditions triggered by climate change require innovative local solutions that work sympathetically with the natural environment. Residents have also raised concerns about air pollution and land contamination, as documented by the Valence House archive. Environment & Blue-Green Spaces Citizen Action Group members are adamant that resident-led interventions are what the community needs to create long-term change and have begun to make some progress (see below).

Priorities

Our Environment & Blue-Green Spaces Citizen Action Group has engaged with residents and key strategic partners to research and develop resident-led environmental solutions, and has identified three priorities for its strategic work:

Sharing learning on climate change (adaptation and mitigation)
Developing a Green and Blue Spaces strategy for the whole of Thames Ward
Leading community actions including litter picking and community gardening

Overall Objective

To secure and enhance flourishing Green and Blue Spaces via resident action and to develop strong and effective partnership working with local agencies via a Ward-wide strategy