Five of Swindon’s best-loved green spaces could be in line for a series of improvements after councillors were presented with a long-term vision for the town’s country parks.
Members of the Cabinet met on Tuesday evening (4 March) to consider a new framework setting out how Coate Water, Lydiard Park, Mouldon Hill, Stanton Park and Barbury Castle could be protected and enhanced in the coming years.
If given the green light, the document would commit Swindon Borough Council to seeking further funding to help maintain and upgrade the parks. Plans include improving visitor facilities, tackling environmental pressures and making sure the spaces remain safe and welcoming for everyone who uses them.
The proposals follow a public consultation held last summer which saw more than 2,000 residents share their views on what matters most when visiting the parks. Feedback gathered both online and at face-to-face events pointed to several practical improvements that people would like to see.
Among the suggestions now reflected in the framework are upgraded parking payment machines, resurfaced car parks, clearer signage across the sites and better toilet facilities.
Alongside these everyday upgrades, the plan also looks at the wider role the parks could play within the community. This includes supporting nature recovery projects, providing opportunities for health and wellbeing activities and encouraging residents to take part in volunteering, education sessions and organised events.
Some work linked to these ambitions has already begun. At Lydiard Park, sections of the popular parkrun route are being reviewed where the surface has worn over time. Meanwhile, discussions are taking place about introducing conservation grazing at Barbury Castle as a way of helping local wildlife habitats flourish.
Across the sites, ranger-led activities are also being expanded, giving visitors the chance to learn more about the area’s natural environment and heritage.
The framework itself will not deliver the projects directly but will guide future management plans, funding applications and improvement work across all five parks.
Councillor Marina Strinkovsky, Swindon Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for Planning and Placemaking, said the town’s country parks remain some of its most treasured assets.
She said: “Swindon’s country parks are invaluable green spaces and each one has its own character, history and wildlife.
“This document sets out our ambition for the parks and gives us a clear starting point for protecting what people love about these places while gradually improving the experience for visitors. It allows us to think more holistically about how our parks are managed while still celebrating what makes each one special.
“I’d also like to thank residents who took the time to share their feedback with us. Their views have helped shape this framework and highlighted some of the practical improvements people would most like to see.
“We know there are some basic things visitors want to see improved, such as access, paths and facilities, and this framework helps us prioritise those areas first while also looking ahead to new opportunities that could enhance the parks and bring even more enjoyment to visitors.”
