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Is greenspace the answer to Glasgow's obesity crisis? |
According to a new report, almost two-thirds of Scots are today using their local greenspace for recreation and exercise each week, a massive increase from less than half 5 years ago.
That's over 3 million Scots getting out and using their local greenspace each week. Could this indicate that quality local greenspace could be the antidote to Glasgow's obesity crisis?
The national report commissioned by greenspace scotland, contains a regional report funded by the Glasgow and Clyde Valley (GCV) Green Network Partnership which for the first time collects data at a local level from within the Clyde Valley region. Both reports shows that we are using our greenspaces in a variety of different ways from finding space to relax and unwind to taking exercise, potentially impacting on both our mental and physical health.
In Glasgow, an area renowned for having some of the worst health statistics in Europe, the GCV Green Network Partnership, a regional partnership of eight local authorities and five public agencies is championing investment in the creation of a well-maintained, well-connected quality 'Green Network' or green infrastructure.
Max Hislop , Programme Manager for the GCV Green Network Partnership, said, "The link between health and use of greenspace is now well accepted, the national greenspace report indicates progress has been made nationally in improving greenspace over the past 5 years. In Glasgow we plan to go further and co-ordinate a programme of activity which will benefit some 1.8 million Scots."
"The GCV Green Network Partnership Vision of a transformed environment which improves lives and communities and lets business flourish is achievable within two decades."
Two key determinants to use of outdoor space are highlighted in the report namely the perceived safety and attractiveness of greenspace. Through these determinants the report highlights the extent of work still to be done. For example, although 91% of regional respondents strongly agreed that greenspaces should be safe places to encourage physical activity, only 48% agreed that their local greenspace met this criteria. Additionally, 88% strongly agreed that greenspaces should be attractive places while only 53% believed their local greenspace was attractive.
Russell Jones, programme manager for the Glasgow Centre for Population Health added, “There is a growing body of evidence that shows that accessible and safe urban greenspaces have a positive and significant influence on levels of physical activity and enhance a sense of well-being by providing opportunities for engagement with nature, and social interaction. Access to safe green spaces, such as parks and playgrounds, and recreational facilities are particularly important for children and young people. Children who have better access to such safe places are more likely to be physically active, and less likely to be overweight, compared to those living in neighbourhoods with reduced access to such facilities. Thus development of a well connected network of greenspace as described in the Green Network Vision is ambitious but the potential benefits to mental and physical wellbeing in Glasgow are considerable.”
Julie Procter, Chief Executive of greenspace scotland said, "The national level report shows that the attention and investment given to greenspace in recent years is beginning to pay off, and that good quality greenspace is starting to make a real difference to people's lives. The evidence suggests that further investment in greenspace could make a real contribution to the challenge of getting people active.
Max Hislop added, “By creating quality spaces for recreation, exercise and socialising you are investing in local people and creating stronger healthier local communities. For everyone it's a win win situation.”
The Glasgow and Clyde Valley Green Network Partnership have been working on a number of projects at a strategic level for example in the Clyde Gateway – site of the 2012 Commonwealth Games. The Green Network will be integrated into the development of the Clyde Gateway and aims to deliver a wide range of quality of life and environmental benefits to the region bring about regeneration and economic development aimed at creating safe healthy places for local people and visitors.
Glasgow City Council will shortly begin some of the work in the Clyde Gateway area along the Clyde Walkway, which also forms part of the national cycle route network, as part of a £2.5million Smarter Choices Smarter Places project. This work will include the removal of trees that are damaging the path, lifting the tree canopy, resurfacing damaged sections of the Walkway and upgrading signage in the area. Completion of this work will provide local people and visitors with an improved, safer route encouraging greater use and contribute to the jigsaw of projects which when fitted together will create the Clyde Gateway Vision.
Cathy Johnston, Group Manager at Glasgow City Council and GCV Green Network Board Member, said, “One of the major strengths of the GCV Green Network Partnership is the effort we make to understand the bigger picture across the Clyde Valley and ensure that all our projects fit in with the overall vision for the area in terms of providing a quality environment which improves health, strengthens communities and stimulates economic growth.”
“We are beginning to see the Green Network Vision move closer to reality and with provision of safer, better quality paths and cycle routes more and more people will benefit from using their local greenspace. With almost two-thirds of Scots currently using greenspace for recreation and exercise there is potential for this number to rise further still.” |
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