Love them or lose them

"Before the park was created there was just concrete. We've met so many people that we didn't know lived here ... so we've built a community by having a park here where before we didn't have that."

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At Groundwork we’ve been passionate about great outdoor places for three decades. We’re not alone – many of our friends working for local authorities, voluntary and community organisations or corporates feel exactly the same.

The Urban Oasis campaign was launched on Valentine's Day 2011 to remind people to think about what going to the park, nipping down the rec or walking in the woods means to them.

The reasons we love our urban green spaces are as varied as the places themselves

Tranquil haven, bustling central plaza, domesticated Serengeti, irresistible playground, slice of the good life or a place to perfect your kickflip with your mates – we all have an Urban Oasis we love.

What you might not know is that they are also working hard behind the scenes; acting as community hubs and training centres, protecting us from floods and pollution, moderating the local climate and boosting the local economy.

All the evidence points to the budget for these places getting cut to ribbons over the next few years.

Protect these unsung heroes of our neighbourhoods - take action now.