Will the Minister make a statement on the finding by the Green Space Index that 236,929 people do not live within a ten minute walk of a green space in Wales, and explain what steps are being taken to help Town and Community Councils create greener centres?
Quality green spaces and parks provide opportunities for healthy recreation, support biodiversity and contribute to reducing flood risk and air pollution.
The Green Space Index findings by Fields in Trust, places Wales above the minimum standard of provision and 4th out of the 11 nations and regions measured. The Welsh Government will shortly be undertaking its own research into green spaces and will align this with other studies. This will help inform future policy in this area.
In 2019/20, the Welsh Government is providing around £120,000 to improve green spaces in Wales. Our funding for the Community Land Advisory Service (Cymru) is helping communities identify and take ownership or control of green spaces, for recreation and for food growing. We are also supporting the Green Flag Award, which is the benchmark for parks and green spaces in the UK and helps improve a wide range of spaces, many in urban areas. There are currently 201 awarded sites across Wales, including 112 Community Awards.