greenspace quality
a guide to assessment, planning and strategic development
A tool-kit for assessing the quality of greenspace has been developed by greenspace scotland and the Glasgow & Clyde Valley Green Network Partnership.
Download the guide
Download the summary
Hard copies have been mailed to all local authorities and a limited number are available on request.
Greenspace quality – a guide to assessment, planning and strategic development provides practical guidance to support local authorities in producing open space audits and strategies, as required by SPP11 Open Space and Physical Activity. It will also assist developers and housing associations in delivering on the aspirations set out in Firm Foundations for improving the quality of greenspace in residential areas to create better neighbourhoods and more sustainable places.
We know that high quality, multi-functional and accessible greenspace can make a real difference to the quality of life and sustainability of urban communities. However, whilst local authorities have found it relatively easy to map and quantify greenspace, understanding and assessing the quality of greenspace has been a real challenge.
The guide identifies five criteria for assessing quality:
• accessible and well connected
• attractive and appealing places
• biodiverse, supporting ecological networks
• active, supporting health and wellbeing
• community supported
A framework is provided for applying these across the PAN65 typology of open space and provides guidance on establishing local standards. The Guide also includes advice on developing a Strategic Framework for Greenspace, undertaking a Greenspace Audit, developing a Greenspace Strategy and establishing a Monitoring and Evaluation Framework.
more information or support
If you would like any further information about the guide or support in using it, please contact our Partnership and Enabling Manager, Deryck Irving by email
Tell us what you think of the guidance and how you are using it – to email us click here
Nic Coombey from Solway Heritage reports:
The Greenspace Quality document was an invaluable aid to the delivery of the pilot greenspace audit for the North West Dumfries Neighbourhood Renewal. The guidance provides a much needed clear and flexible approach to the complex task of assessing the quality of greenspace.
Ewart McAuslane, Head of Environmental Services, Clackmannanshire Council reports:
In Clackmannanshire, we recognise the need for support on how we assess the quality of our greenspace. This Guidance incorporates the key elements that we are looking for in terms of a quality assessment model and we hope that it will enable us to develop our own approach to understanding how local people value their greenspace. The publication of this guidance will provide a significant step forward in relation to open space strategy development and implementation.
