New research highlighting skills shortages in the green space sector has been published by English Heritage and the Commission for Architecture and the Built Environment (CABE).

Green space skills 2009 surveyed a number of public, private and third-sector employers across the green space industry and uncovered a concerning shortage of qualified workers due to the recession. A quarter of public sector employers expect a decline in recruitment and a fifth believe green space departments are suffering from larger budget cuts than other local authority departments.

According to the survey, skills in planning, design and management that are needed to adapt green spaces to help tackle climate change are now considered top priority. John Watkins, head of gardens and landscapes at English Heritage, said: "Public parks continue to be a Cinderella service for many local authorities, often the first to be cut in challenging financial times.

"This research illustrates the worrying skills gap and skills shortage, as well as the vulnerability of our public green spaces which rely on consistent skilled maintenance if they are not to decline." CABE director of public space Sarah Gaventa added: "It's vital we attract talented people to join the green space professions - they provide an essential service we all use. Funding cuts in this sector can have a disproportionate effect and it could take a decade to recover."