New public space trust launched to maintain brownfield sites

A vision to restore and maintain up to 10,000 hectares of brownfield land over the next decade became reality today (Tuesday) following the launch of the Land Restoration Trust.

The Trust, a partnership between English Partnerships, Groundwork, the Forestry Commission and the Environment Agency, aims to transform derelict, neglected or under-used brownfield land into accessible, open green spaces to benefit local communities.

During the Trust's three-year pilot phase it will restore and manage 1,500 hectares of under-used brownfield land. It will also work in partnership to expand its portfolio to 10,000 hectares in the next 10 years.

The first three sites to be transferred to the Land Restoration Trust are Monkton in the North East and Bentley and Hickleton, both in Yorkshire.