Our parks and greenspaces have been a lifeline for many during lockdown. New resources published today [Tuesday 16 March] by greenspace scotland will help communities, schools, health centres and other groups to use our parks and greenspaces more.

As restrictions start to cautiously ease and we continue to adapt to living with Covid-19, Better outside – using our spaces more provides examples, ideas, inspiration and resources for taking indoor activities outside.

The Better Outside toolkit features projects and inspiring ideas, together with downloadable resources which provide more information about making it happen, things to consider, who can help and real-life examples. There are also Technical Resources and a colourful Ideas Source Book which provides ideas and examples of seats, shelters, storage, lights and WiFi from low cost interventions for as little as £5 per person to more ambitious projects that would require professional support and planning.

Julie Procter, Chief Executive of greenspace scotland said:

“At greenspace scotland we’ve always talked about parks and greenspace as our natural health service, our children’s outdoor classrooms, our community and leisure centres without a roof. Now we need them more than ever. The ‘Better outside – using our spaces more’ resources are packed with ideas and examples to help groups take indoor activities outside. As we look ahead to restrictions cautiously easing, now is the time to start thinking and planning for free-range community centres, youth work al fresco, outdoor play and learning, and taking cinema and music outside.”

Read full media release

View Better Outside resources

Please note: Covid-19 Restrictions

Covid-19 restrictions mean that many of the activities and gatherings featured in Better Outside are not currently permitted, but it’s never too soon to start thinking and planning ahead as we move towards a time when restrictions will continue to be cautiously eased.

From Friday 12 March, up to four adults from two households are able to meet locally in any outdoor space, including in private gardens, for social and recreational purposes as well as exercise. Outdoor non-contact sports and group exercise is also able to resume for adults in groups of up to 15 people. Young people aged 12 to 17 are able to meet outdoors in groups of up to four people from four different households, participate in outdoor non-contact sports, and other organised activities in groups of up to 15 and travel across local authority boundaries to participate in such activities. More

The Better Outside – using our spaces more project was supported by a grant from The National Lottery Heritage Fund.