We’re delighted that the Bristol Parkwork Project has had its funding extended by Bristol council, following the Nesta-funded “Rethinking Parks” initiative.

LUC worked with Nesta, Heritage Lottery Fund and Big Lottery Fund Initiative on the initiative, which sought to test new business models for public parks in the UK and explore new approaches to raising income or reducing costs.

We collaborated with Bristol Council and Bristol Parks Forum to create ParkWork, a scheme that helps people to gain horticultural skills and work experience whilst maintaining public parks at a reduced cost.

This could offer a template for other local authorities with ever decreasing parks maintenance budgets, and an alternative to the privatisation of public spaces, a trend that has already begun in London.

Image credit: Fraser Bridgeford