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The Future

The Parklands funding of these five sites is not the only greenspace development in South Essex. The Local Authorities, Environmental charities and other Government organisations are preparing bids for future projects. … >>

Overview

After a long time people are beginning to realise that South Essex, and particularly the Thames Estuary and Marshes, are very special places. Government has agreed to fund five major greenspace projects across South Essex, supporting the good work of charities such as RSPB and Essex Wildlife Trust and the Local Authorities.
The Government Minister for Communities and Local Government, the Right Hon Margaret Beckett, announced the “Parklands” funding of £11.5 million for the five projects in South Essex in November 2008 at the Thames Gateway Forum.
The successful projects were:-

The restoration of the Central South Essex marshes by RSPB.
The creation of the Thurrock Thameside Nature Park in Mucking by the Essex Wildlife Trust.
The opening up of the former petroleum refining site at Canvey Wick by the Land Restoration Trust.
The creation of a sustainable Eco-Centre and landscaping at Wat Tyler Country Park by Basildon District Council.
The opening up of Aveley and Wennington Marshes in a project called “Wildspace Thurrock”.

The five projects will link up to numerous other greenspaces, cycle ways, footpaths, nature reserves, heritage sites and marshlands in what is called the “South Essex Greengrid” (http://www.greengrid.co.uk) . This is a project linking all the open spaces throughout South Essex from Thurrock to Southend.
The South Essex Greengrid will,

Help people to visit the publically accessible countryside sites.
Improve nature conservation.
Improve air and water quality.
Increase pride in local residents, by improving the local environment.
Help promote South Essex as a green place where people want to live.

The new funding for the five Parkland projects will further strengthen the Greengrid allowing thousands of residents to visit high quality natural areas which are inspiring, educational and fun.

The Parklands projects in more detail.

Thames Gateway Parklands - Delivering Environmental Transformation - 9th November 2010 (.pdf)