Barriers-to-the-Green-Network | Greenspace-Communities

Barriers to the Green Network

This study aims to identify and understand what stops people using outdoor space for physical activity. By understanding and addressing the issues it is hoped that it will be possible to increase the use of greenspace and reduce health and environmental inequalities.

The focus of this study is the neighbourhood of Auchenback, East Renfrewshire, however the findings and approach may be applied in many communities across the Glasgow and Clyde Valley (GCV) region.

In Auchenback, death due to coronary heart disease is twice the national average. While the reasons for this are multiple and complex, providing opportunities for increased physical activity would form a significant part of a package of measures to tackle the problem.

The Partnership’s Barriers to the Green Network study consulted widely with local people in order to get a full picture of real and perceived barriers to accessing the Green Network. The study identified a number of recommendations on how some of these barriers could be overcome. These include:

the lack of linkages to adjacent greenspace, (i.e. the Dams to Darnley Country Park).
the quality of local greenspace
upgrading of path networks, cycling facilities, and public transport
provision of educational activities

This project demonstrates that through listening to people’s views it is possible to identify and address physical and perceptual barriers which prevent some people from using their local outdoor space. This is an approach the Partnership would wish to encourage in similar communities across the region.

Since the GCV Green Network Partnership’s study was completed in Auchenback many changes have occurred. A fantastic £1.3million will be invested into East Renfrewshire’s Green Network following a successful bid to the Scottish Government Smarter Choices, Smarter Places award scheme. The application was supported and strengthened by the Partnership’s study.

For more detailed information on the study download the full report from the right hand column.