A proposal to expand Swindon’s network of country parks could see new protected green spaces created across the borough if councillors back a motion due to be debated at Full Council.
The motion, put forward by Conservative councillors Dale Heenan and Lawrence Elliott, suggests the town should begin exploring where additional country parks could be established in the future.
Swindon is currently home to five recognised country parks – Lydiard Park, Coate Water Country Park, Stanton Park, Mouldon Hill Country Park and Barbury Castle Country Park – which have been established over the past several decades.
Supporters of the proposal say those spaces have become popular destinations for recreation, wildlife and outdoor activities, and argue the time is right to consider adding more.
Under the motion, the council would invite residents to suggest areas that could be recognised as new country parks. Councillors would then help shortlist the potential locations before agreeing a preferred site, a timeline for development and how the project could be funded.
Possible locations mentioned by the councillors include areas in Highworth, North Swindon and South Swindon.
Councillor Heenan said the existing parks play an important role in the town’s identity.
He said: “We are proud of our five country parks. Each has its quirks but the balance of open space, wildlife and easy access means everyone has their favourite. Mine is Stanton.
“You will always see children chasing each other across the grass, anglers quietly waiting for a bite, joggers making the most of the accessible paths and dog walkers out in rain and sunshine. And yes, there are the muddy patches but they are ‘country’ parks.
“More can always be done to improve them but we cannot be complacent. It is not enough to simply maintain what we have. We must be as ambitious as those who created the ‘big five’ for us.”
He added that the idea should not become a party political issue and said residents should have a central role in deciding where new parks might be located.
Councillor Elliott said the proposal was about thinking long-term about the borough’s landscape.
He said: “Dale and I believe we should be agreeing how we leave our town and villages in a better place than we found them. We are acting as guardians of our landscape to ensure our communities flourish for generations to come.
“I would like to see Queens Park recognised, while Dale advocates areas around Highworth and near Tadpole. Everyone will have their own favourites and the public should have their say.”
The motion also calls on councillors from across the chamber to support the idea and avoid turning the discussion into a political dispute.
If approved, the proposal would mark the first step in exploring where new country parks could be created across the borough in the future.
