State of Scotland's Greenspace 2009
The State of Scotland’s Greenspace 2009 reveals for the first time the extent of urban greenspace in Scotland. It also provides information on the different types of greenspace and charts local authority work on greenspace audits and strategies.
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The report found that there is nearly 85,000 hectares of greenspace in urban Scotland - that’s the equivalent in size to 120,000 football pitches. Translating this down to a human scale; it means that across Scotland we have an average of 23m2 of greenspace per person or an area the size of 9 double beds!
The amounts, types and distribution of greenspace vary widely across local authorities, reflecting the historic settlement and development pattern of towns and neighbourhoods. At a national level, private gardens account for nearly a third (30%) of all greenspace, with natural spaces making up a further 28%. The amenity greenspace around our houses and buildings adds in another 15%, closely followed by sports areas at 13%, and public parks and gardens at 9%. Play spaces, allotments and burial grounds cover relatively small areas.
The 2009 Report presents data from 20 of the 32 local authorities, covering 34% of Scotland’s land area and 70% of its population. It draws on the greenspace mapping that has been carried out with Scotland’s local authorities. This mapping records the location, area and type of all greenspaces within urban areas. It is expected that future reports will cover all of urban Scotland.
Roseanna Cunningham, Minister for Environment said:
This is an exciting piece of work that will act as a benchmark, showing for the first time the extent and type of urban greenspace in Scotland. Millions of Scots live in towns and cities but we can all enjoy our natural environment and feel the benefits of greenspaces from our own back gardens to local parks. I am confident this report will be of great value in helping us to better understand how we can work to ensure good quality greenspace across Scotland
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