Critical literature reviews of greenspace and quality of life highlighted a lack of research evidence that could be used to prove the economic, environmental and social value of greenspaces.

Greenspaces offer so much to the local community: a place to meet, an area in which to exercise or play, somewhere to relax, a source of pride and inspiration, a place to gain knowledge and learn new skills. The challenge is how to demonstrate the real value of all of the benefits of greenspace to people, places, communities and our quality of life.

SROI offers a way of measuring, identifying and valuing all the changes that an activity provides. It has the potential to identify and value some of the benefits, particularly social ones, which may not be included in other methodologies.

Starting with pathfinder and pilot projects in 2008/9, greenspace scotland with support from SNH, Glasgow & Clyde Valley Green Network Partnership, Central Scotland Forest Trust, British Waterways Scotland and Glasgow South West Regeneration Agency has pioneered the application and development of the SROI approach to greenspace. The GreenLink, one of our earlier reports can be viewed here

Using an SROI approach has helped greenspace scotland and partners to identify, measure and evidence some of the many benefits of greenspace activities.