17 - My neighbourhood lacks greenspace, but has empty and derelict bits of land - could these become greenspace? The legacy of Scotland's industrial past means that almost a third of the Scottish population lives within 500 metres of a derelict site. In deprived communities, the figure increases to 58%. There is potential for some of these areas and other un-used (or under-used) spaces to become community greenspaces. Vacant and derelict land Local Authorities are required to audit all urban vacant and derelict sites of more than 0.1 hectare. The Vacant and Derelict Land Register includes contact details for relevant Council officers. The Scottish Land Commission was established to research, encourage debate, support change on the ground and advise the Scottish Government - with the aim of reducing the amount by bringing vacant and derelict land into productive use. They produce a range of useful guides and information, including:*Funding sources for bringing vacant and derelict land back into use. *Case Studies featuring inspiring examples of derelict land transformation In partnership with the Scottish Land Commission, the Development Trusts Association Scotland (DTAS) hosts the Vacant & Derelict Land Project Manager. This is new 2 year post, starting in July 2020, to focus on the smaller derelict sites, which often cause the most harm to local communities, but can equally be well suited to community-led regeneration. Working alongside development trusts or other community organisations, the post-holder will help communities to develop practical and innovative approaches to bringing different types of these small and persistently problematic sites back into productive use, aiming to support and scale-up community-led regeneration across Scotland. Contact the V&DL Project Manager Karlene Docherty Stalled spaces Stalled spaces are land owned by developers or local authorities where development has not yet started or hasbeen delayed. There may be opportunities to use these sites for temporary or 'meanwhile' greenspace projects. The Stalled Spaces Scotland Toolkit provides lots of help advice and examples. Stalled Spaces Glasgow is programme supported by Glasgow City Council which supports community groups and local organisations across the city to develop temporary projects on stalled sites or under utilised open spaces. Even if you are not from Glasgow, there is lots of useful information Food growing on stalled sites and vacant land If you are thinking about growing fruit or vegetables on vacant & derelict sites or on land which may be contaminated, check out these guides from the Grow Your Own Working Group:*Guide for Growing on land which may be Contaminated*Growing and eating fruits and vegetables on vacant & derelict sites Return to Your Community Greenspace main menu Manage Cookie Preferences