What Is Bristol's Parks & Green Space Strategy?

Bristol has long been a city with a green heart. From its tree-lined streets to the meandering paths of the Downs and Ashton Court, green spaces are part of what makes life here special. But with climate change, urban growth and rising inequality shaping our future, the city is taking a fresh look at how these spaces are managed, protected and improved. That’s where Bristol’s Parks and Green Space Strategy comes in.

This 15-year plan — running through to 2039 — sets out a clear vision for making Bristol’s parks and open spaces more accessible, more sustainable and more valuable to every resident. Whether it’s planting more trees, creating better places for children to play, or boosting biodiversity, the strategy is about putting green space at the centre of city life.

Why It Matters

At its core, the strategy recognises that access to nature isn’t a nice-to-have — it’s essential. Parks and green spaces contribute to our mental and physical wellbeing, offer places to exercise and unwind, and provide vital habitats for wildlife. But not everyone in Bristol has the same access to these benefits.

This plan aims to change that. It sets out to make sure everyone, no matter where they live or what their background, can enjoy the green lungs of the city. It’s also a key part of Bristol’s response to the climate emergency, helping the city adapt to changing weather patterns, capture carbon and cool our streets as summers get hotter.

What’s in the Strategy?

The Parks and Green Space Strategy covers all kinds of public green space — from large parks and sports fields to local woodlands and nature reserves. It’s a practical plan based on five key principles: collaboration, creativity, inclusion, financial sustainability and making decisions based on good data.

From these principles come six main themes:

• Nature and Climate: Creating spaces that help wildlife thrive and support Bristol’s climate goals.

• Children and Young People: Making parks safe, exciting and welcoming for younger generations.

• Community Participation: Giving residents a voice in how their local green spaces are used and cared for.

• Health and Wellbeing: Recognising the crucial role parks play in our everyday physical and mental health.

• Culture: Using parks as venues for events, creativity and bringing communities together.

• Employment and Skills: Supporting local jobs and skills development through park-related initiatives.

A Better Bristol for Everyone

The strategy isn’t just about better parks — it’s about a better quality of life. Green space supports everything from daily exercise and family outings to improved air quality and lower stress levels. For many of us, local parks became lifelines during the pandemic, and this plan builds on that renewed appreciation for the outdoors.

By focusing on areas where access to green space is currently limited, the strategy aims to tackle inequality head-on. That means investing in communities that have been overlooked in the past, and making sure every child in Bristol grows up with somewhere safe and inspiring to play.

Tackling the Climate and Nature Emergencies

Bristol was one of the first UK cities to declare a climate emergency, and green space has a big role to play in the local response. The strategy includes commitments to plant more trees, manage land for nature and use urban design to improve resilience.

Think of trees and wild spaces as nature’s own infrastructure: they absorb rainwater to prevent flooding, store carbon from the atmosphere and create cooler microclimates in summer. They also provide homes for birds, insects and pollinators — all of which are vital for healthy ecosystems and food growing.

Restoring habitats, creating nature corridors through the city  and building in sustainable drainage systems are all part of this joined-up thinking.

Real Projects, Real Impact

We’re already seeing some of the ideas in the strategy come to life. Community-run green spaces, like those supported by the Avon Wildlife Trust and local “friends of the park” groups, are showing how partnerships between residents and the council can deliver vibrant, welcoming places.

There’s also a growing emphasis on using parks as places to learn — about wildlife, about growing food and about taking care of the environment. It’s a hands-on, community-based approach to building greener neighbourhoods.

How Green Flare Fits In

At Green Flare, we’ve always believed that sustainability isn’t just about the big picture — it’s also about what happens on your rooftop, in your garden and in your community. While Bristol’s Parks and Green Space Strategy is focused on land use, its goals go hand in hand with our mission to help people reduce their environmental footprint through smart, clean energy.

We work with homeowners, developers and commercial clients across the South West to install high-performance solar systems that make a real difference. Our solutions help reduce carbon emissions, cut energy bills and build energy independence — all vital ingredients for a sustainable city.

Our team doesn’t just install panels — we help clients understand their energy use, navigate complex technologies and make informed choices that support their values. It’s the same spirit of long-term thinking, local knowledge and environmental commitment that drives the PGSS.

Looking Ahead

The success of Bristol’s green space strategy will depend on collaboration. That means everyone, from council officers and community groups to local businesses and residents, playing a part. At Green Flare, we see ourselves as part of that collective effort.

We’re proud to offer renewable energy solutions that support the city’s broader environmental goals and we’re always looking for ways to connect with like-minded individuals and organisations. If you’re planning a sustainable build, retrofitting your property, or just want to explore how solar could work for you, we’re here to help.

Find out more about how Green Flare can help power your sustainable future. Contact us today to speak with one of our renewable energy experts.

And for a full look at the Parks and Green Space Strategy, visit the Bristol City Council website.