Calendar of meetings autumn 2023 to summer 2024

All dates, timings and topics are provisional and may change. We keep the programme responsive to what Park Managers Forum members have to say about what's important, and to things that come up through the year. Speaker availability and other factors may also lead to changes.

If you have an idea for a particular thing you'd like to discuss, or you'd prepared to do a short talk – or a longer one – or to share materials at a PMF, do please get in touch with Ian Robertson, PMF Programme Manager at [email protected] . We'll be delighted to hear from you.

Future PMFs with indicative topic list:

Mon 30 October 2023, 14 h to 16h, Online. Current first choice candidate: Open Space Strategy and Open Space Assessments together with Play and Play Sufficiency Assessments.

Tue 5 December 2023. Plan for real world meeting in Glasgow 10.00-15.00. Topics to be finalised - possibly within a general place and communities heading - might include: Safety / lighting /making places / PMF as community / workforce development.

Wed 17 Jan 2024, 09.30 to 11.30, Online, topic(s) and approach to be confirmed: possibly more than one of: Nature restoration in parks, data, digital, artificial intelligence / robotics and / or blue green infrastructure / financial sustainability / workforce development.

Thu 22 Feb 2024, 13.30 to 15.30. Online. Provisionally, 'flexible PMF' - topics chosen by people who attend.

Tue 26 Mar24 , 09.30 to 11.30. Online. Provisionally, one or two major topics, to be determined.

Easter Friday public holiday: 29 March 2024

Easter Monday public holiday: 1 April 2024

Tue 30 Apr 2024, 10.00 to 15.30. Possibly real world. No topic allocation at present.

Thu 6 June 2024, 14.00 to 16.00. Online.

No July 2024 PMF

Mon 26 Aug 24 - PM, time to be determined. Online.

Note: simply as a reference point for school holidays in summer 2024, Glasgow City Council's proposed return date for schools 2024 (under consultation) is Wednesday, 14 August 2024.

Other candidate topics for future PMFs include. Heritage, art and culture in urban greenspace, Remembering Together – the nationwide Covid Memorial project.

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.

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
Park Managers Forum – 30 Oct 2023

The October 2023 PMF was on Open Space Strategy and Open Space Assessments together with Play and Play Sufficiency Assessments.
Park Managers Forum – 28 Sep 2023

This Park Managers Forum was themed on ‘Nature Networks and nature restoration in urban greenspaces – case studies and current developments’.
Park Managers Forum - 31 Aug 2023

Online session - choice of small group discussions on 5 topics people had chosen in two consecutive sessions.
Park Managers Forum - 21 Jun 2023

In-person session in Falkirk on theme of nature restoration in urban greenspace.
Park Managers Forum - 24 May 2023

Timely session on Play & Play Sufficiency Assessments with new Scottish Statutory Instrument on Play Sufficiency Assessments in force from 19 May 2023.
Park Managers Forum - 22 Mar 2023

Taking stock and looking over the horizon, taking a step back, take stock, and think across topics, longer term, and about what's important to the forum.
Park Managers Forum - 23 Nov 2022

Water resilient places - the role of greenspaces and blue-green infrastructure
Park Managers Forum - 24 May 2022

Parks, safety and lighting
Park Managers Forum - 23 Mar 2022

Open space audits and strategies

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!