Creating a Green Grid for Hart

Linking our people, communities and green spaces in a single network across the district

The Hart Green Grid framework is a new initiative aimed at improving the quality of life and the environment within our district. By creating a network of green corridors, this framework will connect communities, enhance access to green spaces and promote sustainable living. 

The Green Grid framework follows a golden thread set out in the Hart Corporate Plan which focuses on ‘People, Place and Planet’. 

People: The Green Grid will enable residents to take control of their own health and wellbeing. It will encourage the use of cycling and walking. It will provide access to and enhance our green spaces, leisure and cultural facilities.

Place: The Green Grid will support sustainable communities and encourage active travel by providing safe routes throughout the district. It will give us attractive, locally distinctive places in which to live, work and enjoy life.

Planet: The Green Grid will help protect our planet by supporting the principles of our adopted Climate Change Action Plan and help towards reducing global warming and its effect on our environment.

The framework will also deliver an effective value for money network across the district. It will form a solid basis for attracting and bidding for grant funding. It will be accessible to other authorities and partners who wish to be part of the network.

Aims and objectives

People

  • Improving mental and physical health creating access to open spaces and linking people to support services
  • Improving access to leisure and local businesses via public transport hubs
  • Raising public awareness of the Green Grid through educational, promotional material and marketing campaigns, including digital media

Place

  • Supporting the Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plan 
  • Providing a network of signage that is easily recognisable and can be adopted by other partners
  • Building sustainable communities by identifying Green Grid routes and encouraging a modal shift toward sustainable transport options and healthy living

Planet

  • Reducing our carbon footprint to minimise the effect of global warming
  • Protecting our sensitive sites from the pressures of increased use where appropriate
  • Further engaging our communities with the natural environment

Pilot projects

  • Development of the Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plan
  • Connecting Fleet Train Station to Hartland Park and through into Rushmoor
  • Road crossings at Cove Road, Kennels Lane and Bramshot Road with key partners

Planned activity

  • Extend the current pilot projects by working with the community and key stakeholders to identify potential routes
  • Develop a Green Grid map and digital resource to help direct people to key destinations
  • Work with Network Rail to make Hart’s town and villages visitor destinations, supporting access to our open spaces and the local economy
  • Support the Here for Hart initiative which provides local help, information and community connections
  • Create opportunities to improve mental and physical health by improving access to open spaces and linking people to parish and district healthy activities. These include Hart Park Run, healthy walks, community gardens, allotments and other areas of healthy activity and leisure facilities.