How we work

greenspace scotland has provided a national lead on greenspace since 2002. We have been influential in shaping a supportive policy context for greenspace, promoting good practice on greenspace delivery and securing resource to support local projects.

People tell us they want to work with greenspace scotland because of our:

strong track record – experience, knowledge and skills
access to specific services, products and approaches
ability to bring people together
national profile and context – which provides opportunities to do things differently, particularly for pioneer projects and action research
approaches which offer new thinking and constructive challenge

Our professional staff team and associates can provide bespoke consultancy services, support and training; work with you to develop pioneer projects, strategies and plans; undertake consultations and evaluations; develop project plans and logic models; manage grant programmes; support community placemaking and placechanging programmes; develop national programmes and projects.

…a bit more about how we work:

Everything we do is in partnership. We work with a wide range of national, regional, local and community organisations and groups on projects to create, manage, fund, use, promote and evaluate greenspaces and green networks. From supporting community groups with Tesco Bags of Help grants through to work with Ordnance Survey on the greenspace map and supporting Councils to develop Local Food Growing Strategies.

Pioneering new approaches to managing and resourcing greenspace. With parks and greenspace budgets under pressure, staff capacity being reduced and Friends groups looking to do more, a strong focus for our current work is pioneering new approaches to managing and resourcing parks and greenspace. This includes work on Climate Resilient Parks, Weathering Change, Scottish Parks Endowment Fund, the crowdfunding platform, MyParkScotland and a new ParkPower programme which is about generating energy from parks and greenspaces.

Bringing people and organisations together. Greenspaces are the glue which connect our communities. Our Community Placemaking and Young Placechangers projects help people make the most of their local greenspaces and community places. Through the Park Managers Forum, we connect local authority park managers from all 32 Scottish Councils, enabling them to share practice and work together to tackle shared challenges and opportunities.

Influencing policy and strategic priorities. We champion the importance of parks and greenspace and the many benefits they provide for people and places. We provided evidence to the Scottish Parliament Local Government and Communities Committee and are looking forward to a more in-depth inquiry on access to greenspace in 2018/19. Working with the National Federation of Parks and Green Spaces we are promoting the six-point Charter for Parks.

Working with you. We are here to help. Our staff team and associates have a wide range of professional skills and expertise. We can provide bespoke consultancy services, training and support for specific projects, for example, we are currently working with NHS Lothian to develop a Greenspace and Health Strategic Programme. We can work together to develop new projects and programmes, for example, our partnership with Youth Scotland to develop and resource the Young Placechangers programme.

How can we work with you? Check out our Services section for more information.

Latest

Food growing in public spaces campaign

Incredible Edible, a network of more than 150 community growing groups, has drawn up plans to oblige local authorities to keep a register of public land suitable for vegetable and fruit-growing, which local groups could apply to access.
The search for the UK’s Favourite Parks returns

The search for the UK's Favourite Parks is back this summer and Fields in Trust are calling on you to get nominating and help us shine a light on the green spaces that hold a special place in the nation's hearts.
Forester - Green Action Trust

The Forester role involves woodland design, woodland management planning, cost estimating, management and delivery of work programmes (including management of contracts and contractors) and securing forestry grants.
Land Management Skills in the Forth Area

Sniffer and greenspace scotland are conducting research to understand the need for new skills and training requirements for those working on land management in the Inner Forth area.

Tesco Community Grants

Funding for local projects in Scotland, England and Wales that benefit their community, focus on food or helping children and families. Apply now for funding up to £1500.
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.
Green Heat in Greenspaces (GHiGs)

Background and outputs from the Green Heat In Greenspaces (GHiGs) project for Scotland
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.
How we work

We provide a national lead for action on parks and greenspaces. Working in partnership we pioneer new approaches to managing and resourcing greenspace.