Parks services adapting to deliver climate resilience, biodiversity and community benefits despite budget and reorganisation pressures, new APSE report reveals

A new national survey of UK local authorities has revealed the growing importance of parks and greenspaces in addressing biodiversity, climate change and public health challenges.

APSE’s State of the Market 2026: Parks and Greenspaces report found that 95% of local councils consider biodiversity as a priority for their parks services, with 91% citing supporting healthy living as a key social issue for the service.

Despite the increasing recognition of parks as central to local climate strategies, the report highlights the financial pressures which continue to impact the service. The overwhelming majority of local councils (81%) expect their parks funding to decrease in the coming five years, with 41% anticipating a decrease in funding of up to 10%.

To add to this, councils across England face growing uncertainty surrounding local government reorganisation. With discretionary services at greater risk than statutory services, reorganisation presents an opportunity for councils to innovate and adapt their approach to parks within a broader geographical landscape.

Matt Ellis, APSE Principal Advisor, said, “Our survey shows parks and greenspaces are increasingly recognised as vital assets for biodiversity, climate resilience and public health, even as councils continue to face financial pressures. Also, as local government reorganisation progresses in England, there is an opportunity to take a more strategic approach to managing and investing in these important community spaces.”

The findings of the report will be presented at the APSE Parks Seminar in Manchester on 12 March.

Notes to Editor:

1. The survey was conducted by APSE in January and February 2026. The full ‘Local Authority State of the Market 2026: Parks and Greenspaces’ report is available here.
2. APSE (the Association for Public Service Excellence) is a not-for-profit organisation working with over 300 local governments and other public bodies across the UK. We advise on how to deliver frontline services that are locally accountable, responsive, and efficient.