A report published in July 2009 reveals that nearly two-thirds (63%) of Scots use their local greenspaces for recreation and exercise each week, and that people think urban greenspaces across Scotland are getting better.

 

The report, based on a survey commissioned by greenspace scotland, also shows that most people think greenspaces are very important to their local area, and believe that greenspaces should act as places for play, physical activity, relaxation and seeing nature. However, in common with previous greenspace scotland surveys, the findings show a continuing gap between expectations about greenspace and the reality of local spaces. And when asked about what would increase their use of greenspace, many people reported problems with maintenance or lack of facilities.

 

Amongst the key findings:

• More regular use of greenspace - 63% of people now use their greenspaces at least once a week, compared with only 49% in 2005. 
• Greenspaces are important to communities, and are meeting local needs - 86% think that it is very important to have greenspaces in their local area, and 83% say that their local greenspace meets their needs
• Greenspaces are contributing to health improvement - the survey shows that local greenspaces are strongly rated as places for relaxing and unwinding (63%), physical activity (60%) and play (59%). 
• Local greenspaces are functioning as vital community spaces – 57% of respondents strongly agreed that their greenspaces were attractive and made the area a great place to live, while 52% rated their local greenspaces as good places to meet other people from the community. 
• People continue to have high expectations about what greenspace can offer in terms of physical activity, relaxation, play, socialising and viewing nature, but the reality of their local spaces still falls short of these expectations. As in previous surveys, this difference is particularly pronounced in more deprived areas. 
• When asked what would make them use their local greenspace more often, suggestions included simple issues around better maintenance and a reduction in dog fouling, or additional facilities such as seating.

 

Commenting on the report, Julie Procter, Chief Executive of greenspace scotland said:

 

“This survey is a good result for Scotland. Previous surveys told us how important greenspaces are to local people and communities but they also highlighted big gaps between people’s expectations and the reality of the greenspaces close to home. This survey shows that the attention and investment in greenspace in recent years is beginning to pay off and more people are now rating their local greenspaces as good places to play, exercise and relax. We know Scotland has a huge challenge in getting more people active, more often and building physical activity into daily life – it seems that greenspace is making a real contribution.

In these difficult economic times, local greenspaces are becoming even more important as free facilities close to home for play, recreation, exercise and days out.”

 

Download the 2009 survey report here.  To download the accompanying media release, click here. a shorter survey briefing note can be downloaded here

to download the 2007 report, click here    to download the previous 2004 report, click here