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Quick links
greenspace scotland news | MyParkScotland | Project of the month | Scotland news | Scottish projects round-up | UK and international news | Research | Funding and support | Jobs and volunteering | Events and training
Welcome to our February ebulletin, the first ebulletin of 2022, so a bit of a bumper edition! As we start to see the green shoots of spring bulbs, we highlight some of the great work that is happening across Scotland and further afield to support greenspaces as well as raising awareness of research, funding and events which may interest you and your networks.
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greenspace scotland news
(Re)wilding parks – naturalising greenspace management
The January meeting of the Park Managers Forum looked at (re)wilding parks - naturalised and 'relaxed' approaches to greenspace management. We gathered a snapshot of what’s happening around the country, explored challenges and started to look at what’s needed to support future action.
Working with the Park Managers Forum and NatureScot, we will be preparing case studies of good practice in naturalising parks and greenspace management – so, if you know of a good example of (re)wilding in a Scottish park, please do get in touch
Food applications urgently needed - Tesco Community Grants
To support food groups and projects to apply we hosted a grants info session online. If you missed it then grab a cuppa and watch it. The key takeaway from the session was that greenspace scotland’s friendly team of Community Enablers are here to help so do get in touch.
Right now, we are encouraging applications for projects that help to tackle food poverty and sustainable food provision in communities. This might include community growing projects, cookery skills, school gardens and supplying food banks. Tesco Community Grants is always open for applications from charities, schools and community organisations for funding up to £1,500.
We’re also looking for projects that have a focus on supporting children and young people. Apply by 14 Feb to be considered for the next voting round in stores.
Remembering Together begins
Responding to the crucial need for reflection and remembrance, partners on Remembering Together, Scotland’s programme of co-created Covid community memorial projects, have announced the first callouts for expressions of interest from artists and creative practitioners.
Invitations for expressions of interest to co-create with communities on Remembering Together open from January to March 2022. Through January and February, the following local authority areas will invite expressions of interest from artists/creative practitioners:
NOW OPEN: East Dunbartonshire – closes 7th February
COMING SOON: Aberdeen, Aberdeenshire, Dundee, East Renfrewshire, Inverclyde, South Lanarkshire, Orkney Islands
Further callouts will be announced through February and March.
Artists/creative practitioners considering submitting an expression of interest for one of the Remembering Together commissions are invited to attend an informal Zoom drop in, more details can be found on the Remembering Together Events page
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MyParkScotland
MyParkScotland: Supporting crowdfunds, text giving and parks
If you want to raise funds for your park or greenspace project, then please get in touch. Every project listed on the MyParkScotland crowdfunding page also has the opportunity to raise funds through a unique text code. People can donate from £1 to £20 via text, a super simple way for donors to easily support your project.
Email Ian to find out how MyParkScotland can help you raise funds for your project. Show how much you love parks and greenspaces by helping others achieve their park dreams by making a donation to support an outdoor classroom, play areas, park events or a park bothy.
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Project of the month
FARE Lochend Community Allotments
FARE Scotland (Family Action in Rogerfield and Easterhouse) is a voluntary organisation working within disadvantaged communities throughout Central Scotland. In the last year FARE has been supporting the community to make the most of their allotments sited in Easterhouse, Glasgow, within the grounds of an old community centre which was demolished 9 years ago.
The project has worked hard to engage the local community with 4 local nurseries, 2 primary schools, a secondary school, an afterschool and weekend family gardening clubs all using the allotments on a daily basis, gaining certification whilst doing so.
Local families and young people are at the centre of all future plans and development of the allotment. Currently the future looks fruitful as FARE are in discussion to take over the long-term lease of the allotment which will allow them to develop and get more people using the allotment.
Project of the Month listing now online
To kick of 2022, we have created a listing page for all the amazing projects we have featured as Project of the Month in this ebulletin. The list of 40 projects includes a wide range of inspiring projects from across Scotland including community food growing, greenspaces for health, young people and greenspace and much much more!
Head over to the greenspacescotland Project of the Month for an inspiring read
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scotland news
Consultation on Open Space Strategies and Play Sufficiency Assessments
Our parks and greenspaces have never been more important as we recover from the pandemic and take action to tackle the climate emergency and biodiversity crisis. The Scottish Government has launched a consultation on draft regulations for Open Spaces Strategies and Play Sufficiency Assessments. The new duties on preparing play sufficiency assessments and open space strategies are part of Planning (Scotland) Act 2019 and the consultation sets out an outcomes-based approach. Consultation closes on 31 March 2022.
Securing positive effects for biodiversity – consultation on developing with nature
NatureScot have published draft guidance Developing with Nature, which is aimed at helping those dealing with local development applications to enhance them for biodiversity. Comments on the draft guidance should be submitted by 4 March 2022.
Time to have #YourSayOnLitter
Research shows that 88% of Scots agree that litter is a problem across Scotland and 70% are concerned about the problem in their area. Keep Scotland Beautiful has been working with The Scottish Government and Zero Waste Scotland to support the development of the new National Litter and Flytipping Strategy for Scotland. The consultation is open until 31 March 2022. The aim of the strategy is to support a future where people understand their responsibilities relating to waste disposal and are motivated not to litter or fly-tip.
Other consultations still open: NHS Sustainability Strategy and NPF4
Remember there is still time to respond to the consultation on NHS Scotland Climate Emergency and Sustainability Strategy (deadline now extended to 10 March 2022) and Scottish Government’s consultation on the draft National Planning Framework 4 (closes on 31 March 2022). Read the SPICe blog on NPF4 and the nature emergency
Local Place Plans
The Planning Circular providing guidance on the preparation, submission and registration of Local Place Plans was published on 22 January. Local Place Plans offer the opportunity for a community-led, collaborative approach to creating better local places and can support community aspirations on the big challenges for a future Scotland, such as responding to the global climate emergency and tackling inequalities.
OurPlace.scot website launched
The new website OurPlace.scot has been launched bringing together resources to support place-based work – it’s for individuals, communities, and professionals. It includes case studies, tools and innovative examples to help shape investment and service decision making. We’re delighted to see the Young Placechangers Toolkit featured in the toolbox.
Paths for All launch new strategy
Paths for All launched their new strategy which sets out plans to achieve a happier, healthier and greener Scotland through walking. The new Step It Up strategy aims to get everyone in Scotland, no matter who they are or where they live, to benefit from walking. Watch Paths for All CEO Kevin Lafferty talk about the new strategy in this 2 minute video.
Green Flag Awards – Entries Open
Keep Scotland Beautiful is now taking applications for the Green Flag Award 2022. Applications are welcomed for greenspaces, from large Local Nature Reserves to your local community growing space. For more information on how to apply please email or visit the Green Flag Award page
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Scottish projects round-up
Wee Forests are sprouting across Scotland
Communities and schools are benefitting from a new network of “Wee Forests” in towns and cities across Scotland, backed by £500,000 Scottish Government funding. Wee Forests in Scotland are part of the global family of ‘Miyawaki Forests’ or ‘Tiny Forests’. To create each forest, around 600 native trees are planted by “Wee Foresters” in an area the size of a tennis court. Demonstration Wee Forests are in the process of being planted, together with local Delivery Partners in Glasgow, East Ayrshire, Edinburgh, Aberdeen, Dundee and West Lothian.
Led by NatureScot, and supported by Earthwatch Europe, the programme aims to give people the opportunity to help tackle the twin crises of climate change and biodiversity loss by creating, caring for, monitoring and learning from their own wee forest in their own neighbourhood. Volunteer keeper teams will look after the forests over the long term and schools will use the forests for outdoor learning.
Gartnavel greenspaces are just what the doctor ordered
Gartnavel General Hospital has looked after thousands of patients during the Covid-19 pandemic. Outside, the campus has supported countless more thanks to its vast greenspaces which have been used by patients, staff and the public on a daily basis as a source of wellbeing.
The grounds team has worked to maintain the wider grounds while the mental health services garden volunteers of the ‘Art in Gart’ group continued to create and offer new spaces for outdoor activity and social interaction. From additional signage, new benches, flower beds, walking routes and pathways, the grounds at the hospital have provided a welcome escape for thousands of people. In total, the grounds offer more than 2km of paths, 6 separate gardens including two wildflower spaces - all over 66 acres in total.
COMPASS: Navigating healthy sustainable living in Aberdeen
COMPASS is a new project which aims to transform the former Waldorf School site into a centre demonstrating practical solutions for healthy and sustainable lifestyles. The site on Craigton Road, Cults, Aberdeen owned by the charity Camphill Estates had been unoccupied since 2014 and houses the former Aberdeen convalescent hospital building. Keen not to lose the potential of this naturally beautiful and historic site, Camphill Wellbeing Trust (CWT) took it on in September 2020 to host COMPASS as a community-based project. Consultation with the local residents and community councils indicated they also supported the plans to preserve and rejuvenate this well-used greenspace and its dilapidated buildings. The Compass project aims to: keep the Craigton Road site as an asset for the local community, restore and transform the site in a sustainable manner, and develop meaningful, self-financing projects that fit with the ethos of healthy, sustainable living.
From derelict site to community job opportunities created by garden centre
The Knowe Garden Centre, has evolved into a commercial gardening operation after being developed from a derelict site eight years ago. This innovative community project has created more than 40 job opportunities since it launched a service offering gardening and soft landscaping work and creating an ‘oasis of greenery’ in the local community. The Knowe is part of the Auchinleck Community Development Initiative (ACDI), which has transformed land use in the local area.
Keeping Camelon & Tamfourhill #tidycleangreen - community canal clear up
A resident-led group was set-up to ensure that the quality of the local environment is improved through keeping Camelon and Tamfourhill Tidy Clean and Green. The Project was a collaboration and implemented as part of the wider community safety strategy for Camelon and Tamfourhill, developed and coordinated by Our Place through funding provided by the Great Places Falkirk Heritage Lottery Project. From April – October 2021, the project engaged with youth groups offering the opportunity to engage in a fantastic outdoor learning experience in their own community. Some of the young people had never been on the canal before even though it is on their doorstep.
Spring Clean Scotland 2022 – Does litter bug you?
Does litter bug you? Now is your chance to start planning action as Keep Scotland Beautiful announces the dates for Spring Clean Scotland 2022 from 21 March to 21 April 2022. Spring Clean provides a great opportunity for people to organise a litter pick or carry out a litter survey. There is guidance available to help you plan an event at Clean Up Scotland and you can register your events on the online
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UK and international news
Green infrastructure maps for England
At the end of last year, Natural England published a new online Green Infrastructure (GI) mapping tool to support local planning authorities in incorporating green infrastructure into local plan making. The tool brings together data from over 40 individual environmental and socio-economic datasets to create an evidence resource about the GI assets in England. The resource is part of Natural England’s Green Infrastructure Framework.
State of UK Public Parks 2021
In 2014 and 2016, the Heritage Lottery Fund published ‘State of the UK Public Parks’ reports. At the end of 2021, APSE published ‘State of UK Public Parks 2021’, which provides an overview of UK parks’ finances, their quality, staffing and skills, and visitors and volunteers. The report finds that funding for parks is once again at a tipping point with an estimated £690 million being lost from parks’ budgets over the last decade due to continued austerity measures. It also found that Covid-19 has created further challenges for UK parks. Read the full report
Handbook for prescribing nature for mental health and wellbeing
Greenspace and the power of nature has long been acknowledged to improve mental health and assist with conditions such as depression, stress and anxiety. A new handbook from researchers at the University of Exeter, provides guidance and best practice for organisations providing Nature on Prescription, helping them to develop beneficial, safe and sustainable services.
New community forest for Cumbria
A new coastal community forest will be created in Cumbria to help bring people closer to nature, Defra, England’s Community Forest and Cumbria County Council announced under plans to level up communities across the UK. Up to 150 hectares (or around 210 football pitches) of trees, woodlands and forests will be planted, with the equivalent of one tree planted for every resident in Copeland, Barrow and Allerdale over the next five years. Ultimately, the aim is to create a minimum of 5,000 hectares of new woodland along a 56 mile stretch of the western coast of Cumbria over the next 25 years – that’s the size of almost 7,000 football pitches.
Park life: Growing Japan’s greenspaces through private investment
Tokyo has seen a decline in the quality of its greenspaces over the last decade but private developers have recently been stepping into the void in a trend that could help to slow the decline. Fiscal austerity has had a debilitating effect on park maintenance and management as well and private investment is seen as a potential stopgap solution to this problem.
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research
Who benefits from nature in cities?
New briefing from European Environment Agency reviews the evidence of socio-economic and demographic inequalities in access to the health benefits derived from urban green and blue spaces across Europe. It showcases examples of greenspaces that were designed to meet the needs of vulnerable and disadvantaged social groups
Edinburgh Nature Prescriptions Pilot Results - What have we learned?
RSPB Scotland have published a report on the outcomes of an urban pilot of Nature Prescriptions in Edinburgh. The pilot worked with 5 GP practices and was delivered during the evolving covid-19 pandemic. The report concludes that Nature Prescriptions are an effective, low-cost health intervention that have no negative side-effects, are able to support a range of physical and mental health conditions and are entirely complimentary to traditional medicative treatments as well as social prescribing approaches.
Woodland walks save £26m in Scotland's mental health costs
Forest Research report estimates £185m savings (avoided costs) from access to trees across the UK. It includes evidence of a correlation between reduced antidepressant prescribing in urban streets with more trees per kilometre.
Covid Recreation Survey: Monitoring the impact of Coronavirus and social distancing
NatureScot have published the third wave of the Covid Recreation Survey. This shows the continuing importance of local greenspace, strong levels of outdoor participation, sustained evidence of people benefitting from nature, and signs that a new normal may be emerging in terms of outdoor behaviour. The data indicates an encouraging willingness among some people to engage in pro-environmental behaviours, such as making their outdoor space more nature-friendly or participating in volunteering. However, the data also evidences inequalities when it comes to accessing and engaging with our natural environment, as well as in people’s experiences of the pandemic more generally.
Urban greenspace access - beyond proximity and towards equity
A study in two communities bordering a large park in Baltimore City, Maryland found that living within a 10-min walk of the park was not associated with levels of park use. However, park use was associated with the perception that there were park events that individuals could participate in and feeling safe in the park during the day.
People feel lonelier in crowded cities - but greenspaces help
Research finds that people were 28% less likely to feel lonely in urban settings with natural features such as trees, plants and birds relative to urban settings which are missing these features.
Blue infrastructure in cities could mitigate health inequalities – Glasgow study
Glasgow Centre for Population Health undertook population-based, retrospective study of 137,032 residents in Glasgow, Scotland, to investigate the association between proximity to urban blue spaces and incident chronic health conditions during a canal regeneration programme. The study concluded that exposure to blue infrastructure could be leveraged to mitigate some of the health inequalities in cities.
More parks and waterways in cities could prevent premature deaths
Study confirms that access to urban parks and other greenspaces contributes to lower premature mortality and longer life expectancy. It estimates that up to 43,000 premature deaths could be prevented annually in more than 1,000 European cities if they achieved the recommendations set out by the World Health Organization (WHO) in terms of residential proximity to greenspace.
Urban environment impact on cognitive and motor function in children
The study investigated the association between early-life urban environment and cognitive and motor function in children. It found that built environment, greenness, and air pollution may impact child cognitive and motor function at five years old, with higher greenness exposure within 300 m during pregnancy was associated with higher verbal abilities.
greenspace improves PMS symptoms
Living near greenspace could reduce the physical and psychological symptoms of premenstrual syndrome (PMS). Study of more than 1,000 women living in cities in Norway and Sweden found that women who across their lifetime live in neighbourhoods with more green space are less likely to experience PMS symptoms than those living in less green neighbourhoods.
Understanding the effects of roadside hedges on air pollutants
Study evaluating the effects of an evergreen hedge on the distribution of particulate matter in a West London street with buildings on both sides indicates that green infrastructure may be implemented to mitigate traffic-related pollution, reducing the exposure of cyclists, young children and pedestrians.
Living wall systems improve thermal performance of existing buildings
Plymouth University studied the impact of biodiverse living walls upon the thermal and environmental performance of buildings. A case study found that a pre 1970s uninsulated cavity masonry wall that had been retrofitted with an external living wall system face lost 31.4% less heat than that of the same wall without the greenery.
Green Infrastructure Resource Library
The Green Infrastructure Resource Library (GIRL) is a unique database of documents, case-studies, videos, tools and other information about Green Infrastructure and its benefits and is free to use. For ease of use, the database is available in two formats: a pdf which can be downloaded here and an online database searchable by key terms, dates of publication etc. Both versions of the database are updated regularly.
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funding and support
Each month we feature a small selection of funding opportunities open to parks, greenspace, green infrastructure and community projects. Visit the funding section of our website to find out about lots more funding opportunities
Nature Restoration Fund – Competitive Fund – Scottish Government
A competitive funding round for applications of £25,000 - £250,000. Part of the multi-year Nature Restoration Fund (NRF) which aims to catalyse action at a scale to protect and restore Scotland’s biodiversity on land and sea, and address the twin crises of biodiversity loss and climate change - activities include habitat, species and freshwater restoration. Applications are invited from partnerships and organisations working collaboratively with others, constituted groups, Private individuals and companies (where public benefit will be demonstrated). Successful projects funded by NRF so far are listed here Expressions of Interest should be emailed by to NatureScot by noon 18 February. Full Application deadline 11 March
Small Grants – Food For Life Get Togethers
Grants of £150 for community groups to take part in Plant and Share Month (20 April – 20 May 2022). Website includes simple, inspiring Plant and Share Month Toolkit
Seed Fund for Community Events – Keep Scotland Beautiful
Grants of £100 - £500 for local community events that encourage awareness, conversation, and action on climate to take place by 31 March. For example, a growing workshop, led bike ride, introduction to community energy, local forage, a conversation or film screening. Events can be in venues or online! You don’t need to be an officially constituted group to apply, only to have a clear request of what the funds will be used for and be able to report back to KSB after your event.
National Events Funding Programme – Event Scotland
As well as usual large scale public events, community events (outwith Glasgow and Edinburgh) can apply. Awards of between £2,000 - £4,000 are available for eligible event organisers of community focused events with overall delivery budgets between £8,000 to £20,000 and attracting a minimum of 500 in-person attendees. Deadlines for applications: 11 February 2022 for events taking place from 1 April – 31 August 2022; and 6 April 2022 for events taking place from 1 September – 31 December 2022.
Tesco Community Grants
Tesco Community Grants is open for applications and will provide grants of up to £1500 to support projects focused on supporting children and families, and food issues – including community food growing. The scheme is open to registered charities and not-for-profit organisations, including Local Authorities and schools. greenspace scotland’s team of Community Enablers are here to help!
Bringing People Together – National Lottery
Up to £300,000 for up to two years, to support projects that will build stronger connections across communities and improve the infrastructure and conditions that are needed to strengthen these connections. Must deliver across at least two countries in the UK (England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales) and have a clear equality, diversity and inclusion focus.
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jobs and volunteering
Green Network Development Officer - GCV The Green Network Partnership
The Green Network Partnership has produced “the Blueprint” which sets out where Green Network delivery should be targeted for most benefit, and are recruiting a Development Officer to support and facilitate its delivery. Closing date: 7 Feb
Volunteer Coordinator - Bike for Good
The Volunteer Coordinator will lead on all aspects of the day-to-day administration and supervision of a large team of volunteers and their activities. Closing date: 7 Feb
Development Manager - Vale of Leven Trust
Leadership role for someone to bring management skills in developing projects from the idea / feasibility stage into creation as well as managing the staff team, developing and implementing several proposed projects and to delivering current projects. Closing date: 8 Feb
Skills and Development Lead - Bike for Good
The Skills and Development Lead is responsible for overseeing a variety of programmes designed to improve the life chances of our service users through the provision of training and development opportunities. Closing date: 9 Feb
Advocacy Officer - ERCS Environmental Rights Centre for Scotland
ERCS are recruiting an Advocacy Officer to secure concrete progress on environmental rights in Scotland. Closing date: 14 Feb
Garden Coordinator, Royal Edinburgh Community Gardens
Cyrenians has worked with NHS Lothian to establish two hospital community gardens: one in Morningside, Edinburgh and one in Bonnyrigg, Midlothian. Looking for a highly experienced garden coordinator, with the ability to take forward an inclusive vision for the Royal Edinburgh community gardens. Closing date: 21 Feb
Education Officer - Perth and Kinross Countryside Trust (PKCT)
PKCT is recruiting a Discovery, Learning and Engagement Officer to join its team to carry out educational activities that support its conservation and access strategies. Closing date: 25 Feb
Scotland’s Finest Woods – seeking a trio of Trustees
The small charity’s sole purpose is to operate the prestigious annual Scotland’s Finest Woods Awards Programme. Due to the increasingly high profile, relevance and popularity of the diversified awards programme they are seeking up to three new Trustees. Applications particularly welcome from those with experience in charity governance and/or some knowledge of agriculture including farm woodlands or timber, and/or fundraising. Closing date: 16 Mar
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events and training
Scotland’s Climate Festival, online
Check out events in February and catch up with previous events on the Keep Scotland Beautiful YouTube channel
9 February - Developing skills with Grow and Learn awards scheme, online
Are you beginning to find yourself spending more time in the garden? Maybe you work with people at a garden project that may benefit from working towards a flexible award? Or perhaps you’re gardening group are keen to connect more with nature this year? Find out more about Grow and Learn and Grow and Learn in Nature (GLiN) at online session introducing the awards: what’s involved, how to register your group and get growing. Find out more contact
3 & 23 Feb - Remembering Together: Artist drop-in session, online
Drop-in sessions for artists and creative practitioners interested in applying to a Remembering Together commission, meet the team and ask questions about the programme.
5 Feb – Mapping Community Climate Action in North East of Scotland, online
An opportunity to share ideas and resources, identify opportunities and solutions to the challenges faced by community climate action groups, meet new people and build new relationships.
8 Feb - Beyond Tarmac: what communities really need to get them walking, online
First of a two-part webinar series, looking at what walking infrastructure really is and start a conversation about the changes we urgently need to enable modal shift and make local communities walkable for everyone.
10 Feb - Adaptation and innovation: new and changing approaches to co-creation, online
Discussion on the future of co-creation against the backdrop of global social, cultural, and political unrest. How has the pandemic shifted perceptions of why we create with others?
10 Feb -Culture and Business Scotland Conference, online
This event welcomes the business, public, and culture sectors to come together to discuss how engaging with creativity and culture can be the key to not simply surviving but thriving in the face of key collective universal challenges.
11 Feb – Community Land Scotland Urban Gathering 2022, hybrid
Community Land Scotland and the Community Ownership Hub are facilitating the Fourth Urban Gathering which will bring together in person urban communities who own or are interested in buying land or other assets. This will be a hybrid event and participants will be able to attend in person and online.
16 Feb - The Wellbeing Economy: creating thriving communities in a changing climate, online
Hear from leading experts in Scotland and around the world on the pursuit of enhanced wellbeing for current and future generations.
16 Feb – Feasibility - Assets for People and Place webinar programme, online
This webinar aims to provide community groups with the knowledge and practical skills required to explore the feasibility of engaging in Community Asset Transfer.
22 Feb - Learning from Benches: a case study on infrastructure frustrations, online
Webinar exploring how to find funding and manage planning for walking infrastructure, as well as bring people together to discuss how to improve the process.
24 Feb – Climate emergency training for those working with young people, online
This free course gives those working with young people an understanding of climate change and the tools to help young people take action.
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