I am Commercial Manager for Urban Green Newcastle (UGN), an independent charity in north-east England which cares for 33 parks and more than 60 allotment sites. During my time with UGN, I have become acutely aware of the financial challenges facing many of our beloved public green spaces across the UK. Caring for parks is not a statutory service and with declining budgets and increasing costs for other public services, parks have often been neglected.

Parks are a precious resource, providing a range of benefits for both people and the environment. They can improve health, wellbeing and social lives, providing space to exercise, meet and spend time in nature. Parks can also be used to improve biodiversity, capture carbon and provide cool spaces in urban areas as our planet continues to warm. To fully realise all of these benefits it is vital that parks are properly resourced and valued.

My Fellowship will allow me to gather learning from US parks organisations to understand the various ways in which they have made their journey to financial sustainability. The findings of this Fellowship will add to the evidence base available to UK parks organisations.