We often work together to manage and maintain open spaces effectively

Parks and Woodlands

Here are some key ways we can work together to improve and enhance parks and woodlands:

• We may delegate certain responsibilities to you, such as routine maintenance, minor repairs, and community engagement activities
• You are often consulted on matters related to local parks and grounds
• You can provide valuable input on community needs and preferences, which helps shape the planning and development of these areas
• You may collaborate with us on larger projects, such as park renovations or the creation of new recreational facilities. This partnership allows for pooling of resources and expertise
• You can organise events, community led projects, and other activities that encourage residents to take an active role in the care and enjoyment of parks and woodlands in your area

You often monitor the condition of parks and grounds if you would like to contact us about a park in your area, you can do this by clicking the button below.

Working together helps ensure that parks and grounds are well-maintained and meet the needs of your community.

Urban Grass Cutting

You can use our online map to find out who is responsible for cutting urban highway grass in each Parish in North Yorkshire by clicking the button below.

Cemeteries

Some Parish Councils own and manage their own cemeteries. Where this is the case, the Parish Council is solely responsible for all aspects of the cemetery’s routine operation and maintenance, including day‑to‑day upkeep, record‑keeping, and minor repairs. These duties sit entirely with the Parish, and North Yorkshire Council has no responsibility for these functions.

If you are carrying out these duties, you must ensure that all work complies with the relevant regulations and standards, such as those set out in the Local Authorities’ Cemeteries Order 1977.

There may be rare occasions where we consult a Parish Council on cemetery‑related matters. This would only occur if we were considering the expansion or development of one of its own existing cemetery sites, and that site happened to be located within the same locality as the Parish concerned.

By working together in these specific circumstances, we can help ensure that cemeteries continue to meet the needs of the community.

If there is a particular cemetery you would like to know more about, you can find further information by clicking the button below.

Allotments

Allotments can bring significant health and wellbeing benefits to our communities. They are a great way to grow your own fruit and vegetables, meet new people and keep fit outdoors. Many Parish Councils manage and maintain their own allotments in accordance with government legislation.

Under the Small Holdings and Allotments Act 1908, you have a duty to provide allotments if there is demand from six or more registered electors. As a Parish Council you can acquire land, let plots, and enforce tenancy agreements.

Some key responsibilities include:

• Maintain and manage a waiting list of prospective tenants
• Clearly define responsibilities, rent, and termination clauses in tenancy agreements
• Grass cutting and hedge trimming (usually by contractors)
• Water supply maintenance and winter shut-off
• Waste management and path upkeep
• Annual inspections by the Clerk and/or councillors
• Public Liability Insurance (PLI) to cover tenants and visitors

The distinction between statutory and non-statutory (or temporary) allotments in the UK is important for Parish Councils, especially regarding legal protections and responsibilities.

A statutory allotment is:

• Legally designated: The land has been acquired or appropriated specifically for use as allotments under the Small Holdings and Allotments Act 1908 or related legislation
• Protected by law: These sites have strong legal protection. They cannot be sold, built on, or used for other purposes without the consent of the Secretary of State
• Permanent in nature: Even if the management is devolved to an allotment association or another body, the statutory status remains
• Subject to duties: As a Parish Council you have a duty to provide statutory allotments if there is demand

A non-statutory (temporary) allotment is:

• Not legally designated: The land was not originally acquired for allotment use. It may be land held for another purpose (e.g., future development) but temporarily used for allotments
• Less protected: These sites can be repurposed or sold without Secretary of State approval, although plot holders must usually be given 12 months’ notice
• Often informal: These may be community-led or privately managed, and not subject to the same legal framework
• Still regulated: They are still subject to planning laws and tenancy agreements, but without the statutory safeguards

Statutory sites require more formal management and offer long-term security for plot holders whereas non-statutory sites offer flexibility but less permanence. You could review land acquisition records to determine the status of your allotments

If you are unsure, you should seek legal advice.

As a starting point you could use our checklist to review your allotments, this will help you determine whether an allotment site is statutory or non-statutory. Click the button below to view the Allotment Checlist.

Play Areas

You can play a significant role in the provision, maintenance, and safety of play areas in your Parish.

You have the power (not duty) to provide and maintain play areas under the Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1976.

You may:

• • Own and manage play areas directly
  • Lease land or receive devolved assets from us
  • Partner with community groups or developers to create new facilities

When planning improvements to existing play provision, there are opportunities to consult with residents, schools, and youth groups to:

• Design inclusive and accessible play spaces
• Prioritise upgrades or new installations
• Encourage community stewardship and reduce vandalism

Many play areas are devolved from us to you. This gives you more control but also more responsibility for:

• Maintenance and repairs
• Insurance
• Safety inspections
• Community engagement

Things to consider as part of devolution arrangements include:

• The condition of the equipment
• Long-term costs and liabilities
• Preparation of documentation e.g. Expression of Interest and Business Case

Any enquires about devolution of play areas can be sent to localdevolution@northyorks.gov.uk

Maintenance and Safety Responsibilities

If you have responsibility for a play area you must ensure they are safe, accessible, and well-maintained.

Ongoing Maintenance Responsibilities

• Repair or replace damaged equipment and surfacing
• Maintain fencing, gates, bins, and signage
• Ensure accessibility and cleanliness

Statutory Safety Inspection Responsibilities

• Weekly/monthly inspections: Often included in maintenance contracts
• Annual inspection: Typically £60–£150 per site depending on size and location
• All inspections must be recorded
• Risk assessments should be updated regularly

Insurance

• You must hold public liability insurance and ensure it covers:
  • Injuries from equipment
  • Damage to third-party property
  • Legal costs in the event of a claim

Suggested Inspection Regime

Legal Framework

While there is no single law governing play safety, you must comply with:

• Health and Safety at Work Act 1974
• Occupiers’ Liability Acts 1957 & 1984
• Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999
• EN1176 (European standard for playground equipment)

Safety inspections are critical for cemeteries, allotments and play areas:

• All inspections should be logged with dates, findings, and actions taken.
• Annual inspections should be carried out by certified professionals.
• Any issues identified must be addressed promptly to mitigate risk.
• Staff or councillors involved in inspections should receive appropriate training.

Common Land and Village Greens

Common Land

Common land is usually owned by an individual but with the understanding that other people named in the registers may have traditional rights to access it, for example, to graze animals, shoot, fish, or take stones and wood.

For information on vehicular access and undertaking works on common land, please see the links below. 

Village Greens

Town and village greens are established where long-term use of land by local people for recreational purposes can be demonstrated, such as for informal sports, picnics, fetes or dog walking. They are usually owned and maintained by town and parish councils, although can be privately owned.

For information on vehicular access and undertaking works on village green, please see the links below.

For more information about Common Land and Village Greens, click the button below.