Our community greenspaces are a vital part of local landscapes.

From the park where we walk the dog or the children play, to the communal greenspaces dotted through our residential areas, each provides us with a place to get closer to nature and, importantly, an opportunity to play a role in its recovery.

My role takes me all over Sussex visiting gardens and greenspaces that are keen to register as part of the corridor. This summer I had the pleasure of visiting a recent sign up; a park that was very much part of my childhood growing up in Sussex.

I remember visiting Brooklands Park, nestled behind the coast road between Lancing and Worthing, and marvelling at all the pleasure park had to offer then with its boating lake, train rides and play park. Though my recent visit did not involve sunshine and ice cream (it was pouring with rain!), I still felt a sense of wonder at how much is going on in this local park and how much has changed in recent years.

Brooklands Park, owned by Adur & Worthing Council, provides an important greenspace for all those living along this busy urban coastal strip. It has been extensively redeveloped in recent years to provide new opportunities for the community to connect with nature, through improved accessibility, new facilities and learning spaces.

For Weald to Waves, it represents a vital stepping stone for wildlife providing a connection between the Sompting Estate to its north and the marine habitats to the south. With its lake at the centre, the park has always attracted a wide variety of wildlife and. As it continues its redevelopment, habitats will improve, including more tree planting and wildflower meadow creation. It can fill a strategic gap in the coastal landscape and boost nature recovery efforts across this busy area.

Key to the park’s successful regeneration has been the efforts of the ‘Friends of Brooklands Park’, a volunteer group who share the vision to support both the local community and the wildlife that shares this space. They offer plenty of opportunities for residents and local businesses to attend events or get involved with volunteering days. So, whether you have time and skills to offer them, or just want to stroll along the boardwalks or through the wonderful community garden they are creating, Brooklands Park is a great greenspace to visit!

Read more about the plans for Brooklands Park or follow ‘Friends of Brooklands Park’ on Facebook.

If you are responsible for a community greenspace in Sussex, join Weald to Waves by signing up through Gardens & Greenspaces or get in touch at gardens@wealdtowaves.co.uk We’d love to hear about the work you do to support nature recovery in your local area.

Amy Hurn

Gardens & Greenspaces Coordinator