We all know the importance of Greenspace and here in Swanage we are blessed with an abundance of parks and gardens. The World Health Organisation defines Greenspaces as “all urban land-covered by vegetation of any kind’. This includes street trees, gardens, parks, and more”. Green spaces provide long-term financial benefits as well as social and environmental gains. Green spaces can positively affect humans’ physical health. Vegetation removes chemicals and filters particulate matter, nitrogen dioxide, sulphur dioxide, and carbon monoxide from the air. Noise pollution, which can harm peoples’ general well-being by causing stress, is reduced through green spaces. Plants deflect sound, which may promote relaxation for nearby residents.
Swanage Town Council owns and manages a diverse and extensive range of greenspaces. These spaces, amounting to over 37 hectares, provide residents and visitors with a wide range of opportunities for being close to nature, socialising with others, relaxation and participation in sporting activities.
In the Town’s Corporate Plan (2023-2025), two of the 5 priorities link directly to Greenspaces - namely ‘Protecting the Natural Environment and Addressing the Climate Crisis’ and ‘Providing Opportunities to Improve Health and Wellbeing’. Each greenspace is unique, and all are managed by the Council in different ways in accordance with the Greenspace strategy, which also contains an action plan detailing key milestones to ensure they are all nurtured and well maintained. This strategy was informed by feedback from local residents who participated in a Swanage Greenspace survey in early 2025. We thank all who contributed their views and ideas for their time and feedback, the results of which can also be found within this strategy.
Beach Gardens - A Welcoming Place
One shining example of our greenspace management is Beach Gardens which has won the coveted Green Flag since 2023 and acts as a true community hub. The Gardens are bordered by well-maintained conifer, griselinia and privet hedges which are managed to ensure clear and effective sight lines whilst retaining a pleasant and secure boundary. There are five entrances via well maintained pathways which lead you into the Gardens and the main entrance on Northbrook Road leads past the bowling green towards ‘Tea on the Green’ which has sloped access and movable external seating where you can enjoy refreshments and take in the spectacular views across Swanage Bay. Hire equipment is available to enjoy the 18-hole pitch and putt, the permanent table tennis table, the tennis courts and the bowling green. The basketball court is a well-utilised, free-to-use facility that provides a valuable space for young people to meet and socialise.
Disability and Dementia Friendly
Tea on the Green is a certified dementia-friendly cafe that is open every day from spring to autumn, and the Beach Gardens pavilion has a fully compliant disabled toilet facility and shower, which was installed in 2018. Adjacent to this are 6 additional public conveniences. Although cycle parking is provided adjacent to the Cauldon Avenue entrance, cycling is not permitted within Beach Gardens, nor are dogs (with the exception of guide dogs/assistance dogs on leads). Beach Gardens wishes to provide all visitors the opportunity to enjoy the park and use the sports facilities at their leisure in a location in which they feel comfortable. The accessible, step free and well-maintained tarmac paths within the gardens guide visitors through areas of formal and informal planting, between a wide range of mature and younger trees, past the café and the putting, bowling, tennis and basketball courts with many benches along the way to take a rest.
STC Green Flag Management Plan