We’re incredibly fortunate to have a wide variety of parks, gardens, and open spaces across the Chichester District. That’s why we’re proud to take part in Love Parks

Week, running from 25 July to 3 August. This national campaign, led by Keep Britain Tidy, celebrates the vital role that parks and green spaces play in our lives.

To mark the occasion, we’ll be shining a spotlight on our beautiful parks and the amazing work carried out by our dedicated parks and gardens team and local volunteers. These vibrant, living spaces bring people together and offer a chance to connect with nature right in the heart of our city, towns, and neighbourhoods.

You might be surprised to learn that we manage more than 40 parks and green spaces across the district on your behalf. This includes parks, gardens, ponds, sports pitches, play areas, local nature reserves, and open spaces. Our 12-strong team travels across the district’s 303 square miles, from Lynchmere in the north to East Wittering in the south, ensuring our green spaces remain beautiful and welcoming. It’s worth noting that West Sussex County Council is responsible for maintaining verges, pathways, and roads.

We put a lot of thought into what we plant, always considering environmental impact and water conservation. For example, we use tree watering bags to provide a slow, steady water supply, reducing the need for frequent watering. We’re also creating naturalised areas to support wildlife, including bees, butterflies, and other pollinators. A diverse natural habitat means more birds, insects, and animals — a key priority for us.

Trees and plants also play a key role in helping to tackle climate change, by absorbing carbon dioxide and helping to manage flood risk by slowing the flow of rainwater. That’s why our Tree Chichester District project is so important. So far, nearly 65,000 trees have been planted through this scheme across 210 sites. In partnership with our communities, we have also created a number of community orchards and mini urban forests, creating greener, healthier spaces for everyone to enjoy.

All of our work is supported by our wonderful communities and volunteers, who play a significant role in helping us keep our parks and open spaces looking beautiful. I'd like to take this opportunity to say a huge thank you to everyone who is involved with this.

We’re also investing in the future of our play parks. With £800,000 allocated to upgrades, work is already underway at Priory Park, Whyke Oval and Parklands, with the new and improved play areas expected to be ready for the summer holidays. Our specialist contractors have already started work to transform Oaklands Park into a flagship destination play area, which is due to open later in the summer. The final phase requires consent from Historic England and, if approved, will focus on delivering improvements to the Amphitheatre play area. It is hoped that this work will take place towards the end of the summer. Earlier this year, we also completed a 'light touch' refurbishment of Florence Road play area, which included adding new items of inclusive equipment, such as a musical play station and roundabout, and renewing some of the play items with like-for-like equipment.

So, next time you visit one of our parks or green spaces, have a look at the work that has been done, and please give our team and volunteers a wave if they are out and about. I know they'd appreciate it.

Best Wishes

Cllr Adrian Moss

Leader of Chichester District Council