Central Scotland Green Network announced in NPF2
02 July 2009
The transformation of the environment of central Scotland through the creation of a network of high quality, accessible greenspaces is now one of the crucial elements of the Government's spatial strategy for Scotland following the publication of the 2nd National Planning Framework (NPF2) on 25th June.
The development of a Central Scotland Green Network (CSGN) has been included in the final Framework as one of 14 "National Developments" considered to be essential elements of the strategy for Scotland's long-term development. The CSGN aims to build on the work of the Glasgow & the Clyde Valley Green Network Partnership, the Central Scotland Forest Trust/partnership and the Edinburgh and Lothians Forest Habitat Network Partnership/Greenspace Trust and a large number of more local initiatives. It reflects a growing recognition by Government, public agencies and local authorities of the contribution that high quality greenspace can make to a range of outcomes - from supporting sustainable economic growth and improving quality of life, to protecting biodiversity and helping Scotland mitigate and adapt to climate change.
The CSGN will build on existing greenspace initiatives across central Scotland to achieve a step change in environmental quality, making the region a more attractive place to live, visit and do business. The inclusion of the CSGN in the final list of National Developments provides an important signal of Government support for improvements to greenspace throughout the whole of central Scotland.
An interim steering group is developing proposals for how the CSGN will build upon existing greenspace initiatives in central Scotland following the publication of NPF2. More information is available from both Forestry Commission Scotland and Scottish Natural Heritage, who are supporting the Steering Group.
Simon Rennie, Chair of the Central Scotland Regional Forestry Forum and Chief Executive of Central Scotland Forest Trust said: "I welcome the inclusion of the Central Scotland Green Network as one of fourteen National developments in the National Planning Framework (2) for Scotland. This is tremendous news which reinforces the priority of the environment within Government policy and which I am sure will be welcomed by everybody interested in the environment and environmentally led regeneration."
If you are interested in green networks why not attend our forthcoming conference entitled Green Networks: Potential for Central Scotland.
