People for Packsaddle, a local community action group with a substantial and growing number of passionate supporters, is joining a national community day of action for nature, parks and green spaces on 18th April. Over 100 groups from across the country are coming together ’virtually’ in a show of unity for the natural world. These groups are staging events that celebrate, protect, and champion the green spaces people love.
The events aim to send a message to politicians that nature, parks and green spaces should not be destroyed by development of any kind and that a deregulation agenda, which puts short-term development ahead of the living landscapes on which health, wellbeing, and the future of wildlife depend, is unacceptable.
People’s access to nature has never been more important for their health and well-being, but it has also never been more under threat. A recent report from the Somerset Council Director of Public Health, Alison Bell, focuses on physical activity as a way to improve health and support people to age well, and it recognises the importance of green spaces in contributing to this agenda. Councillor Graham Oakes, Lead Member for Public Health, Climate and the Environment, stated that “Supporting people to be more active is vital if we want Somerset to be a healthier, greener and more resilient place to live. This report makes clear that physical activity is not just about sport, it’s about creating communities where being active is a natural part of everyday life. From safe walking and cycling routes to community activities and green spaces, we all have a role to play in helping Somerset move more.”
A spokesperson for People For Packsaddle said, “Packsaddle Community Fields have been a free, safe resource that the local community has used for daily exercise, community connection and connection with nature for over 50 years, supporting both physical and mental wellbeing. At least it was, until Somerset Council blocked access to an area used without challenge for 5 decades, under pressure from their chosen development partner, LiveWest. The national community day of action for nature, parks and green spaces is an opportunity for us to show what we feel about this important local resource. Please join us from 11am on 18th April, on the public footpath area of the fields, where we will be coming together for a community coffee morning. All are welcome, just bring your own drink and snacks!”
“Our aim is to protect Packsaddle Community Fields for current and future generations. We have prevented a previous planning application from going ahead and will continue to defend the fields against Somerset Council’s ambition to see it used for housing. Our challenge right now is to see the fields opened up once more for public use and, longer term, we want to bring the fields into community ownership and see them preserved as a permanent green area, where wildlife and humans can co-exist.”
Sally Hayns is Chief Executive Officer of The Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management and said, “There is overwhelming evidence about the value of nature and green space to people’s physical and mental wellbeing, as well as to a thriving economy. Yet time and time again we see politicians of all parties deride its importance to our communities. This Day of Action is an opportunity to bring people together in activities to celebrate and protect what we have and demonstrate to decision-makers why we look to them to protect and improve it.”
