creating climate change parks

greenspace scotland has initiated a programme looking how existing greenspaces can be managed to address climate change priorities. We began with parks as they are the most recognisable and obviously multi-functional greenspaces. Many of the climate change actions for parks can be applied to other types of greenspace

Working with partners we developed an e-resource for a typical Scottish park. This includes images showing the park ‘before’ and ‘after’ it is managed to deliver climate change action. It identifies how the various elements of the park (e.g. grassed areas, play spaces, sports pitches, paths, parking areas and flower beds) are currently managed; looks at the likely impact of climate change and then develops a series of potential climate change actions with detailed guidance notes.

The ‘climate change park’ resource is available here
 

‘Pioneer’ climate change parks

The next stage of the programme is to work with local partners to use this resource to support the development of three ‘pioneer’ climate change parks. These ‘pioneers’ will provide national exemplars to inspire and inform practice in other parts of Scotland (the UK and Europe).

Find out how greenspace scotland can work with you to create a climate ready park in your area here

Aberdeen City Council is working with greenspace scotland to develop Hazlehead Park as a ‘pioneer climate-ready park’ and we are actively seeking other partners across Scotland.

The project is part-funded by the Periurban Parks Project; part of the European Union's InterReg IVC programme. Periurban Parks brings together fourteen partners from eleven EU countries to exchange ideas and experience and improve policies on the creation and management of natural suburban areas in order to mitigate pressures on biodiversity. Further information here