There will be a presentation about the city's Biosphere project, about Groundwork's Spots v Stripes community games programme and about events and activities coming up in parks around the city. If you have a project or event that you'd like to promote, then please do come along with information about it.
We will also be discussing setting up an on-going green spaces network.
This may be supported jointly by CVSF and Groundwork. Whether you can come or not, we are interested to hear if you would support and participate in such a group.
To book your place on this event, please email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Further Details:
1/ Brighton & Hove and Lewes Downs Biosphere Project UNESCO (the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) is developing a global network of Biosphere Reserves which promote a balanced relationship between people and nature. These are real world-class natural environments, rather than the popular image of artificial glass domes!
The Brighton & Hove and Lewes Downs Biosphere Project is led by the City Sustainability Partnership and Brighton & Hove City Council. It aims to achieve international recognition from the United Nations for the special nature of our local environment. In the UK there are eight Biospheres Reserves, the premier Biosphere Reserve in the UK is in North Devon.
The vision is to develop a unified approach to better care for, manage and enjoy the local environment. This includes the city itself, surrounding countryside of the South Downs and the sea, so we can help to bring people and nature closer together.
International Biosphere Reserves have three Functions:
* Conservation - of landscapes, ecosystems, species and genetic diversity at both a regional and global scale.
* Development - economic and social development which is culturally and ecologically sustainable.
* Knowledge - environmental education, research and training to test and demonstrate innovative approaches to nature conservation and sustainable development.
Project officer Rich Howarth will be doing a presentation about the project and will be able to answer questions FOR MORE INFORMATION GO TO:
http://www.brighton-hove.gov.uk/index.cfm?request=b1159364
2/ A Green Spaces Network
Many CVSF member organisations and other groups across Brighton & Hove have a particular interest in parks and other green spaces, focusing both on their role as important resources for wildlife as well as amenities for people in local communities. No CVSF network currently caters directly for this interest group although it is noted that the CVSF Small Groups Network and the CVSF Environment Network cater to some of their concerns as does the Brighton & Hove Wildlife Forum (which involves 26 groups & individuals).
CVSF & Groundwork are therefore organising this meeting partly to consult about establishing such a network of such community groups, voluntary organisations and other interested stakeholders, which are interested in the role of parks and green spaces as community assets which provide important and accessible amenities for people across Brighton & Hove as well as for wildlife.
Proposed network aims, focus and membership... The network would aim to:
* provide a forum for participants to exchange information, experience and resources.
* provide a link with public bodies, in particular Brighton &Hove City Council (i.e. City Parks & park ranger service, Biosphere project, Environmental Improvements team, Sports development/Active for Life teams & Community Safety team)
* facilitate awareness of, and involvement in, relevant city-wide, national and international initiatives and fundraising opportunities
* develop and express a joint position on issues of common concern
The Network will focus on a wide range of issues relevant to green spaces such as their role in relation to:
* community events & gatherings
* play, playgrounds and recreation
* sports and physical activities
* quiet natural space nurturing health & wellbeing
* wildlife/biodiversity (note this area already covered by B&H Wildlife Forum)
* raising awareness of wider environmental sustainability issues
* involving and strengthening local communities
Communication
The network will facilitate communication between members in a variety of ways:
* Occasional meetings (2-3 times per year)
* Distribution of information and views via an electronic media such as e-mail
* Using CVSF existing wider communication channels
