Making our futures: the history, value, future and stewardship of Bristol’s open spaces

The "Making Our Futures" event was organised in collaboration with the local RSA Fellowship, Your Park and The Schumacher Institute.

Diverse voices

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.

Creative collaboration

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. 

Practical opportunities and proposals

• Measuring long-term impact: finding effective methods to demonstrate the community, health and ecological benefits of parks as crucial social infrastructure. This can be achieved through promoting positive and creative media coverage
• Mapping land use: researching Bristol’s public, commercial and open spaces to explore how different areas can share strategic opportunities for planning
• Improving cross-sector connections: creating a forum to improve collaboration between local and city-wide organisations interested in open spaces. This includes making sure that parks are welcoming to everyone such as investing in park staff to run fun, stimulating outdoor activities
• Supporting voluntary groups: offering consistent support to local groups, such as “Friends of Parks” to improve planting initiatives, food production and community facilities. The Ardagh in Horfield Common and Redcatch Community Garden in Bristol are already brilliant examples that require consistent support and investment
• Alternative stewardship models: investigating financing models for parks and open spaces through trust or endowment frameworks. Examples include: looking after trees, ensuring parks are safe and accessible for all and developing inclusive sporting activities.

Future action

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.

For more information relating to this article, please contact:

Ted Fowler FRSA
07544 764204
ourpeopleplacesandpractices@gmail.com

Kate Monkhouse
RSA Fellowship Area & Engagement Manager
kate.monkhouse@rsa.org.uk