Green Health Publications

In 2018/19, we worked with NHS Lothian and the Edinburgh & Lothians Health Foundation to develop a Greenspace and Health Strategic Framework for Edinburgh and the Lothians. The Strategy, together with the supporting annexes: policy review, evidence synthesis and logic models, can be accessed here

Recent reports from the NHS Lothian Green Health programme:

Green Health Prescribing: its role in Lothian’s COVID recovery - Briefing
Green Health Prescribing: its role in Lothian’s COVID-19 recovery - Full Report

Biodiversity & Climate Change Audit of the NHS Lothian green estate - Summary report
Biodiversity & Climate Change Audit of the NHS Lothian green estate - Technical report

greenspace scotland has previously worked with partners, including NHS Health Scotland, to produce evidence summaries, a guide to undertaking a health impact assessment of greenspace and developed a greenspace and health outcomes framework.

Download Greenspace and health outcomes framework

Download Health impact assessment of greenspace – a guide

Download The links between greenspace and health - a critical literature review

Latest

Park Managers Forum – 5 December 2023

The Park Managers Forum on 5 December 2023 was on two main themes: Safety, including lighting and women's and young girls safety Careers, skills, workforce development
December ebulletin ready to read

Always worth a read, our December ebulletin is ready to inform and inspire on all things greenspace.
Improving Nature Networks for East Lothian’s Communities

December's project of the month is developed by East Lothian Council to extend its nature networks into urban communities, including more deprived areas and to enable everyone better access to nature.
How will you support Scotland’s parks this Christmas?

Whether it’s taking the kids out to run off some of that Christmas Day excitement, an early morning jog to escape the in-laws, a wee walk with the dog while the turkey is cooking or a quiet walk to relax and unwind, Scotland’s parks are always there for us.

Pressures on public funding for greenspace increase further

Recent and projected UK and Scottish Government measures mean that pressures on public funding for greenspace are increasing again in the short to medium term. This risk services' ability to deliver on government policies for the many greenspace benefits for communities, and in combating the climate and biodiversity crises.
Urban greenspace more valuable than ever, Office for National Statistics finds

The ONS have published the UK Natural Capital Accounts for 2023. Image: ONS / contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.
Report published on Scottish pilot Green Health Partnerships

Evaluation report on the four pilot Green Health Partnerships which were established in 2018 in Dundee, Lanarkshire, North Ayrshire and Highland
Housing tenure and use of greenspace

Our November Project of the Month highlights the Environment & Space for Public Health Partnership Group recent report which found private and social housing tenants are less likely to have greenspace at home or use public greenspace
Scoping Health Impacts of Open Space Strategies and Play Sufficiency Assessments

Report published scoping potential health inequality impacts of Open Space Strategies and Play Sufficiency Assessments
Glasgow's first Sustainable Food Directory launched

Recognising the hard work of some of the most sustainable places to eat in and shop with in the city
South Lanarkshire local outdoor 'Beat the Street' activity game

Beat the Street is a fun, free initiative that will see Hamilton & Blantyre transformed into a giant game. Routes between Beat Box milestone markers include South Haugh Nature Reserve, Chatelherault Park and alongside the Avon Water.
Urban street tree biodiversity and antidepressant prescriptions - new research

This study suggests that unintentional daily contact to nature through street trees close to the home may reduce the risk of depression, especially for individuals in deprived groups.
Greenspace and Wellbeing - A Good Practice Guide for Housing Associations

A bilingual Welsh/English good practice guide has been published by Linc Cymru who specialise in affordable housing, social care & health sectors in Wales.
"Every step... is a choice for good"

Schoolchildren from Elgin have recorded a festive song to encourage children nationwide to walk to school during winter. How much greenspace is there in your local school 'run'/walk route?

Tesco Stronger Starts Grants

Up to £1500 funding for local projects. Currently prioritising projects that provide healthy food and activities that boost children and young people’s mental and physical wellbeing.
What is greenspace?

Greenspaces are the 'green lungs' of our towns and cities which contribute to improving people's physical and mental health by providing places for informal recreation and 'breathing spaces' to take time out from the stresses of modern life.
Other funding sources

There are lots of grant and funding programmes that can support greenspace and park projects, activities and events. Thinking about the impact or benefits of your project might help you identify other funding opportunities too.
Greenspace map

The greenspace map developed with Ordnance Survey provides information about the location and type of all of Scotland's greenspaces.
Silverburn Flax Mill

Crowdfunding appeal to support a major community-led initiative for wellbeing, enterprise and employment, benefiting the people of Levenmouth and beyond. The B-listed former Flax Mill building will be brought back to life, creating a sustainable and iconic centre piece for Silverburn Park.
Ebulletin

Our free, monthly e-bulletin includes local, national and international greenspace-related news, as well as the latest information from greenspace scotland and our members.
Our story

Since 2002, greenspace scotland has provided a national lead on greenspace, working towards our goal that everyone living and working in urban Scotland has easy access to quality greenspace which meets local needs and improves their quality of life.
Statistics

Statistics about the size and importance of greenspace across Scotland.
Green Heat in Greenspaces (GHiGs)

Background and outputs from the Green Heat In Greenspaces (GHiGs) project for Scotland
Young Placechangers Toolkit

The Young Placechangers toolkit aims to inspire young people to take the lead in their local community, to voice their opinions and help make positive change happen. Practical, free and fun - have a look!