Greenspace for communities
02 December 2003
The work of the Central Scotland Forest Trust in helping the population of the Central Belt to be happier, healthier and live longer is significantly enhanced by Greenspace Scotland.
Greenspace endeavours to ensure that the 80% of Scots who live in urban areas will be no more than a 15 minute walk from a quality local greenspace. Access to quality greenspaces is vital to the good mental and physical health of local people, as well as supporting wildlife and biodiversity.
Greenspace Scotland works with the Trust and its sister organisations throughout Scotland to make sure that greenspace is placed at the heart of Scottish urban regeneration. It builds on the success of local greenspace projects across the country such as those already established in the Central Scotland Forest area.
It brings additional new resources into the local greenspace network and shares best practice between all local trusts on every aspect of greenspace creation and management. The organisation plays a central role in delivering the Scottish Executive’s environmental justice agenda, and is funded by Scottish Natural Heritage and the New Opportunities Fund.
Research proves that access to quality greenspace is vital to the physical and mental well-being of every urban Scot, contributing to a healthier environment, fostering a sense of community and being dramatically safer than areas devoid of greenery, with fewer crimes occurring against people and property. The benefits of greenspace include increased life expectancy, reduced stress, better will-power in terms of maintaining exercise programmes that are based out-of-doors, improved concentration and motor skills in children developed through play. In addition, there are economic benefits associated with greenspace, with owners of small companies ranking recreation, parks and open spaces as the highest priority in choosing a new location for their business.
Keith Geddes, Chairman, Greenspace Scotland, says, “We aim to help all Scots realise that the environment begins on their doorsteps. Communities are often defined by the condition of their environment. The desirability of housing, job prospects and even people’s opportunities to obtain credit can often be determined by the appearance of the local environment.”
Julie Procter, Chief Officer, Greenspace Scotland, adds, “Our role is to create the right conditions for success; to enable local community based greenspace projects to succeed. Together with our partners, we have ambitious plans to help transform Scotland’s urban landscape, and in doing so, contribute to regenerating communities and neighbourhoods. Greenspace Scotland will deliver real quality of life improvements by making attractive, safe, healthy and vibrant places were people want to live and work.”
Simon Rennie, CSFT’s Chief Executive and a Director of Greenspace Scotland, comments, “ We are committed to Greenspace Scotland’s philosophy which will assist the acceleration and expansion of our activities and successes in the Central Scotland Forest which benefit everyone living and working there”.
