The Environment Committee met to discuss the role and accessibility of London's regional parks, with a particular focus on the new West London Regional Park. Key discussions also covered the implementation of the London Nature Recovery Strategy, the Clean and Healthy Waterways Plan, and the funding mechanisms for environmental projects.

London's Regional Parks: Connecting People and Nature?

The committee heard that regional parks are crucial for providing access to green and wild spaces, drawing in wider communities with a range of facilities and activities. The West London Regional Park, aiming to connect approximately 500 hectares of existing green space, has a primary focus on improving connectivity for local people, restoring nature, and responding to the climate emergency by incorporating flood water management. The park's boundaries are still being finalised, extending from Horsenden Hill in Ealing down to the River Thames, with plans for green fingers to improve access from local communities.

Discussions also touched upon the process for creating new regional parks, with the understanding that there isn't a strictly defined process. The upcoming updated London Plan aims to improve the consideration of accessibility to all parks, not just regional ones, and to address areas of deficiency in public open space. While specific locations for new regional parks were not announced, the GLA is investing in strategic greening and adaptation projects, particularly targeting areas with inequality and those most affected by climate change impacts.

The committee heard that the West London Regional Park is being led by Ealing Council in partnership with several stakeholders, including the GLA, King Arran Rivers Trust, National Trust, the Environment Agency, and Hounslow Council. Governance arrangements are in the early stages, with a consultant appointed to advise on future models. Community involvement is being ensured through a community advisory group.

Financial sustainability for parks was also a key theme, with discussions on generating income through assets like abandoned stable blocks and farmhouses, alongside green spaces themselves. The importance of balancing income generation with maintaining free access to green spaces for local people was stressed. Revenue generation from events was acknowledged as a significant income source for established parks like the Royal Parks, with an emphasis on careful control and clear definition of event spaces to avoid alienating local residents.

Natural England highlighted significant disparities in access to green spaces across different communities in London, with lower-income individuals and Black or Black British communities being less likely to access these spaces. The committee discussed the role of regional parks in improving accessibility due to their wider catchment areas, but also acknowledged the need for better awareness and knowledge of these spaces. The Natural England Accessible Greenspace Standard of three hectares per thousand people was discussed, with the conclusion that it is difficult for urban areas to meet this standard uniformly. Instead, boroughs are encouraged to set local standards tailored to their specific circumstances.

The West London Regional Park is incorporating Pear Tree Park, formerly a golf course with relatively low usage, into its design to democratise access. The opening of a cafe at Pear Tree Park has reportedly led to increased usage and facilitated other activities.

Concerns were raised about the potential for parkland to be used for housing, with assurances given that there are no current plans for this, and that the Mayor's policy is brownfield first. However, the concept of a grey belt policy, identifying areas of the Green Belt for development, was also mentioned.

The discussion also covered barriers to accessing parks, including physical barriers like roads and railway lines, lack of toilets and benches, safety concerns, and the need for better wayfinding. The importance of community engagement in park improvements, volunteer involvement, and partnerships with local colleges for green skills were also highlighted.

Green social prescribing was discussed as a means to improve mental and physical health, with research indicating significant benefits and a positive return on investment. Examples of London-specific initiatives include the London Social Prescribing Network and past work with boroughs like Camden and Islington. Challenges identified include transport accessibility, funding sustainability for voluntary groups, and the need for greater diversity and inclusivity.

Key facilities considered essential for regional parks to be welcoming included clear signage, toilets, places to eat or drink, and children's play areas. The importance of variety in habitats and the ability to move between different types of green space was also emphasized. The Lee Valley Park was noted for its diversity of facilities, including a whitewater centre and velodrome, alongside nature conservation efforts.

The meeting also addressed the role of digital tools like GoJauntly and TfLGo in promoting walking routes, with discussions on the importance of detailed route information, quality of surfacing, and safety. The need for short, accessible loops within larger routes like the Capital Ring and London Loop was highlighted to encourage integration into everyday life.

Concerns were raised about shared routes for pedestrians and cyclists, and the potential for conflict. The importance of maintaining public footpaths and ensuring they are not diverted away from natural areas was also discussed.

The role of social media and walking festivals in encouraging participation was deemed crucial, with a call for greater investment and more creative, innovative approaches to promotion, especially in light of the rise of AI chatbots potentially impacting traditional search habits.

Regarding the London Nature Recovery Strategy, funding from DEFRA is confirmed for the GLA to implement its priorities. The Mayor's Clean and Healthy Waterways Plan has informed the priorities for the West London Regional Park, focusing on water quality, access, nature, and inclusion. The plan is expected to be published in the summer.

Flood defence and resilience were discussed, with the West London Regional Park playing a role in managing flood water through wetland habitats. The Green Roots Fund and strategic project funding are being used to support climate resilience.

Funding for the West London Regional Park, totalling £1.5 million, is coming from the GLA's strategic projects budget and will support trail improvements, accessibility, and wayfinding. Transport for London (TfL) is also contributing £1.5 million for access improvements between waterways and the TfL network.

Discussions on protecting parks for the future highlighted that community ownership and valuing parks are the best ways to ensure their preservation. The role of green infrastructure in new developments and the potential for building on previously industrial land were also considered. The Green Roots Fund, offering grants from £10,000 to £500,000, supports a wide range of projects improving green and blue spaces, with a focus on addressing specific needs and equity concerns.

The meeting also addressed the economic value of green spaces, estimated at £25 billion annually, and the need for smarter recognition of this value through collaboration and investment.

The committee heard that the Mayor remains committed to the aims of the London National Park City, and these aims will be represented in the new London Plan. However, concerns were raised about national policy to open up Green Belt to development and whether this conflicts with the Mayor's aims. The Mayor's policy of brownfield first and a grey belt policy were mentioned.

Finally, the committee discussed the importance of maintaining public footpaths and the challenges of shared routes for pedestrians and cyclists. The potential for the Mayor to do more to support access to green spaces was explored, with a wish list including the realisation of plans in the walking and wheeling action plan, more investment, and greater involvement of boroughs in strategic route development. The need for more spoke routes connecting neighbourhoods to the wider network was also highlighted.

The meeting concluded with a discussion on the Mayor's commitment to net zero by 2030, with the Deputy Mayor expressing confidence in meeting mayoral manifesto commitments, while acknowledging the challenges posed by the lack of government support in previous years, particularly regarding building decarbonisation. The delay in TfL achieving a zero-emission bus fleet by 2030 was discussed, with the Deputy Mayor attributing this to factors outside TfL's direct control, such as grid capacity and operator roles.

The committee also heard about the Mayor's efforts to improve air quality, including the ULEZ and work on non-road mobile machinery in the construction industry. The plan to install indoor air quality filters in 200 schools is progressing, with over 116 completed.

Regarding waste management, the GLA is supporting the implementation of Simpler Recycling, with all boroughs collecting dry mixed recyclables and most on track for food waste collections. ReLondon is actively involved in supporting businesses and local authorities in adopting circular economy principles.

The committee also discussed the environmental impact of data centres, with work underway to develop a policy within the London Plan to mitigate concerns around energy and water consumption. Conversations with water companies are ongoing regarding water scarcity issues, exacerbated by data centres.

The Mayor's position opposing Heathrow expansion was reiterated, with a commitment to consider all options, including legal action, though no firm commitment was made. Concerns were raised about the potential for increased noise and air pollution from larger aircraft and more flights.

The committee was informed about the £5 million fund for swimmable rivers, aiming to increase accessible blue spaces across London, and the Green Roots Fund, which supports community-led environmental projects. Thames Water has committed £20 million to support river health projects.

The meeting also touched upon the Greener Schools programme, which aims to reduce energy bills and improve children's learning environments, and the ongoing work on indoor air quality filters in schools. The importance of community energy projects was highlighted, with a £630,000 grant fund and efforts to secure further government investment.

The committee noted that the GLA's EDGE Fund, intended to support green finance projects, has not yet made its first award, but work is ongoing to refine the model. The Climate Finance Taskforce is expected to present its recommendations in May.

The committee also received updates on actions taken under delegated authority, including letters regarding the expansion of heat networks and the London City Airport consultation.