Access to greenspace
You can download a PDF version of this Evidence for action page here
Definition
Greenspace includes many types of land from parks to more natural areas (e.g. corridors along river banks) and can also be created through green roofs and tree-lined streets.
Why is it important?
There is increasing evidence and recognition of the positive benefits of access to good quality greenspace and natural environments for physical and mental health for everyone, but particularly for children and young people.
Regular access to natural environments has been shown to reduce symptoms among children with ADHD and reduce stress in children.
Urban areas with green spaces are associated with reduced antisocial behaviour and incidence of crime.
Improved mental wellbeing and reduced admissions for mental illness have been associated with increasing levels of greenspace in an area.
Living close to safe and accessible natural environments is associated with increased rates of physical activity. The benefits include:
- people who use parks and green spaces regularly, exercise more
- increased accessible urban greenspace is associated with increased amounts of play for local children
- children are more active when playing in natural environments
- natural features, such as trees or hedges, can improve levels of creative play as well as play between different groups of children
- children playing in natural environments appeared to have improved concentration and motor skills
Great Outdoors: How Our Natural Health Service Uses Green Space To Improve Wellbeing, Faculty of Public Health; The links between greenspace and health: a critical literature review. October 2007, Greenspace Scotland
There are many educational benefits from learning outdoors:
- connections are made experientially with the real world outside the classroom, helping to develop skills, knowledge and understanding in a meaningful context
- outdoor environments and surroundings act as a rich stimulus for creative thinking and learning
- the multi-sensory experience outdoors helps children and young people to retain knowledge more effectively
- learning in a less structured environment can provide a different learning experience from that of the classroom and one that is more relaxed
Outdoor Learning: Practical guidance, ideas and support for teachers and practitioners in Scotland, Education Scotland
In addition, urban green spaces, can provide psychological relaxation and stress alleviation, stimulate social interaction, and reduce exposure to air pollutants and noise. Urban green spaces and health - a review of evidence (2016, WHO).
Current situation
In Glasgow, on average 80% of children live within 400m of publicly accessible green space (e.g. public parks/gardens or residential amenity greenspace). However in some neighbourhoods only 46% of children live in close proximity (within 400m) of publicly accessible greenspace, while in other areas as many as 97% of children live in proximity to greenspace. The latter areas tend to be in the affluent parts of the city.
Are there inequalities to consider?
Living close to greener environments may protect against the negative effects of income-deprivation-related health inequalities (The Lancet).
However, there are inequalities in access to safe play spaces and in access to good quality greenspace, particularly in urban settings in which more deprived areas tending to be less well served. More equitable access could contribute to reduced health inequalities.
Challenges and solutions
There are rising levels of obesity among Scottish children and very low levels of 11-15 year old boys and girls meeting recommended physical activity levels.
Active Healthy Kids Scotland Scorecard
Poor mental health is an acknowledged issue among adolescents (Scottish Health Survey).
There is a need for both small, local green spaces situated very close to where people live and spend their day, and large green spaces that provide specific recreational facilities (such as playing fields) and opportunities to interact with nature. Urban green spaces and health - a review of evidence (2016, WHO).
Access to public open space and green areas in urban areas is unequal. More equitable access to high quality, safe greenspace with appropriate recreational facilities for all age groups is needed.
Investments that work for physical activity
Examples of positive action
1. Outdoor learning
Outdoor learning is given an integral role in the Curriculum for Excellence. Opportunities for all children and young people to enjoy first-hand experience outdoors exist within and across all the curriculum areas.
The Play Scotland website provides information on how to deliver the Curriculum for Excellence through outdoor learning.
2. Young Place Changers
Young Place Changers puts young people in the lead role – bringing together the wider community to look at local spaces and plan improvements. The Young Place Changers programme has used a co-production approach to develop and pilot a training and support programme enabling young people to transform both the place they live, their relationship with it and the wider community.
3. The Children’s Wood and Kelvin Meadow
The Children’s Wood on North Kelvin Meadow, and the Meadow itself, was adopted by the local community who have successfully lobbied Glasgow City Council to ensure that the space cannot be zoned for housing. There are regular events, groups, clubs and an outdoor playgroup run by the community that are intended to connect children to nature, raise aspirations and bring people together. A PhD study was recently undertaken which found that using the space for outdoor play had a positive impact on primary school children’s attention.