Suitable Alternative Natural Greenspaces

Riverside Path at Shepherd Meadows What are SANGs?

Suitable Alternative Natural Greenspaces or ‘SANGs’ are a group of existing open spaces that are due to undergo enhancements designed to attract more visitors by providing an enjoyable natural environment for recreation as an alternative to the Thames Basin Heaths Special Protection Area.

What is the SPA?

The Thames Basin Heaths Special Protection Area is a network of internationally important heathland sites in the south of the Borough. These sites such as Wildmoor Heath support rare birds such as the dartford warbler, woodlark and nightjar that are highly sensitive to visitors.To prevent harm to the SPA, new development must now contribute towards enhancements of SANGS and encourage their use to reduce recreational pressure on the SPA. This is part of the Council’s Avoidance and Mitigation Strategy for the Thames Basin Heaths Special Protection Area.

Which sites are identified as SANGs?

The following sites are now being enhanced as a SANG:

Improvements for each site are set out in an Open Space Management Plan and are designed to be above standard in order to be more attractive to visitors.