| Type and Main Function |
Approx. Size and Distance from Home |
Characteristics |
REGIONAL PARKS AND OPEN SPACE
(Linked Metropolitan Open Land and Green Belt Corridors). Weekend
and occasional visits by car or public transport. |
400 hectares
3.2-8km. |
Large areas and corridors of natural heathland, downland,
commons, woodlands and parkland also including areas not publicly
accessible but which contribute to the overall environmental
amenity. Primarily providing for informal recreation with some
non-intensive active recreation uses. Car parking at key locations. |
METROPOLITAN PARKS
Weekend and occasional visits by car or public transport. |
60 hectares
3.2km or more when the park is appreciably larger. |
Either
i) Natural heathland, downland, commons woodlands etc. or
ii) formal parks provided for both active and passive recreation.
May contain playing fields, but at least 40 hectares for other
pursuits. Adequate car parking. |
DISTRICT PARKS
Weekend and occasional visits by foot, cycle, car and short
bus trips. |
20 hectares
1.2km. |
Landscape setting with a variety of natural features providing
for a wide range of activities, including outdoor sports facilities
and playing fields, children’s play for different age groups,
and informal recreation pursuits. Should provide some car parking. |
LOCAL PARKS
Pedestrian visits. |
2 hectares
0.4km. |
Providing for court games, children’s play, sitting-out areas
& nature conservation areas. |
SMALL LOCAL PARKS AND OPEN SPACES
Pedestrian visits, especially by old people and children; particularly
valuable in high-density areas. |
Under 2 hectares
Less than 0.4 km. |
Gardens, sitting-out areas, children’s play spaces or other
areas of a specialist nature, including nature conservation
areas. |
LINEAR OPEN SPACES
Pedestrian visits. |
Variable
Wherever feasible. |
The Thames, canals, other waterways and associated open spaces
and towpaths, paths, disused railways, nature conservation areas
and other routes which provide opportunities for informal recreation.
Often characterised by features or attractive areas which are
not fully accessible to the public but contribute to the enjoyment
of the space. |
