The green places debate got many people talking about what they thought the future for our green spaces should be.

© National Trust

Here are just a handful of thought from our supporters about green places:

'The NT should follow with vigour the spirit of its founding fathers to protect areas of open space. You will have support from the existing membership and will gain many more supporters. Your plans must be bold and almost revolutionary but you will be applauded. What other hope is there for the British countryside? Furthermore, you will make Government sit up.You willneed to engage the Government at the highest level.  There is a desperate need to turn our culture away from the dogma of unlimited economic growth.'

'It allows me and my children to get out and run around as we live in a flat. It allows the children to enjoy the flowers and wildlife, and gets us some exercise.'

'Escapism pure and simple. It’s like being in another world when I visit Clumber Park. The peace and tranquillity lifts the spirits like nothing else can.'

'The National Trust can take less attractive places and with their expertise they can make them nicer.'

'I live in Birmingham and we only have a few parks, they should do something here with open green space.'

'I didn’t realize the extent of The National Trust. It’s not just posh gardens. And I think they really need to influence.'

And from our staff:

'I don't think we should just manage the land and let others choose how they want to make use of it, I think it is our job to open people's eyes to what is around them and encourage those who have the idea that the Trust is 'not their thing' that it can be very much their thing!

We want to protect the places that are important to people by involving them, not just standing back or telling them what to do.

I think that green spaces in urban areas often have local stories to tell - things that have happened there, local names that aren't on any maps - and I think this could be an interesting thing for the Trust to explore and a way of reaching new people.'

Visitor Services Manager, Sheringham Park, Norfolk