Green space not equally accessible to all

The latest Green Space Index has found that 2.78 million people live further than a ten-minute walk from their nearest park or green space.

Launched by The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, and published by Fields in Trust, the Green Space Index reveals that, despite their vital role in the nation's well-being during lockdown, our much loved local parks are not equally accessible to all.

First launched in 2019, this third release once again highlights the inequities in provision across Britain. Despite their value for health, well-being, community and environment, some parts of Britain have access to half the green space as others - Scots enjoy 38.18 sqm of provision per person whilst for residents in London the figure falls to just 19.53 sqm.

Fields in Trust also found that seven of the nine English regions do not meet a minimum standard of green space provision as measured by the GSI Score, and whilst both Scotland and Wales do meet this minimum standard their scores have both fallen over the last 12 months. Areas with the least provision tend to be those with a higher incidence of deprivation - precisely the communities who benefit most from green space access.

Jo Barnett, Fields in Trust chair of Trustees, said: "Through the pandemic we've realised just how valuable parks and green spaces are to our health and wellbeing, yet across the UK only six per cent of parks are protected and access to them is not equitable. The proven physical and mental health benefits of local parks is unchallenged. These are valuable places; places where we can all move, breathe, run and play. Fields in Trust welcome this significant commitment by the City of Edinburgh Council, we need to champion and support these precious spaces by protecting them for future generations to enjoy. Because once lost, they are lost forever."