Help to make east Basingstoke open spaces and play areas even better
Published: 01 June 2022
Help to make east Basingstoke open spaces and play areas even better
Local people and user groups are being asked to have their say on how parks and open spaces towards the eastern edge of Basingstoke could be protected, enhanced and better linked to provide a green infrastructure network for the future.
As part of the East Basingstoke Management Project, Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council is asking for views on: Eastrop Park, War Memorial Park, Black Dam Ponds, Crabtree Plantation, Lime Pits, Basing Common and Mill Field and the links between them.
Basingstoke has a good range of parks and open spaces to the east of the town that provide a range of opportunities for residents and habitats. However, there are elements that need to be improved and this project aims to address these, providing a network of green spaces which includes:
• protecting and enhancing habitats including green corridors between sites
• improving accessibility
• offering a greater range of outdoor recreational opportunities for residents and visitors
• supporting council priorities and initiatives including the Ecological Emergency Declaration and the Climate Change and Air Quality Strategy
• linking places of cultural importance such as Basing House and the Basingstoke Canal with the centre of town.
The council has carried out some preliminary assessments and surveys of the area and has produced some initial ideas for how these areas could be improved. For these to be developed further, a consultation is being held from Monday 30 May to Friday 8 July to get feedback on these and to help shape priorities for the project.
People can view the concepts and have their say online at East Basingstoke Natural Environment Management Plan Alternatively there’s an opportunity to meet with officers at a consultation event on Saturday 18 June at:
• Eastrop Park (next to the boathouse) from 9am to 12noon
• Crabtree (main car park) from 1.30pm to 4.30pm
Cabinet Member for Environment and Climate Action Cllr Hayley Eachus said: “We are blessed with many beautiful parks and open spaces in the borough. This project aims to focus on what improvements can be made to those on the eastern edge of the town, including our destination parks such as Eastrop and War Memorial Park, to enhance those areas and link them better to benefit both our residents and the wildlife in those areas.
“We have produced some initial ideas and I would like to encourage people to give their views on these to help shape how we move forward.”
A paper version of the survey can be requested by calling 01256 844844 and returned to the Natural Environment Team, Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council, Civic Offices, London Road, Basingstoke RG21 7AH or by email to NaturalEnvironmentTeam@basingstoke.gov.uk