GCV Green Network
Connecting Our Quality Spaces

All local authorities now have to undertake a greenspace audit.

While it's relatively easy to assess how much greenspace you have, where it's located and what kind of space it is, it's much harder to define its quality.

The ‘Greenspace Quality Guidance’ publication is designed to assist with setting up the framework to undertake a qualitative audit and with carrying out the site assessments.

‘Greenspace quality - a guide to assessment, planning and strategic development’ provides practical guidance to support local authorities in producing open space audits and strategies, as required by SPP11 Open Space and Physical Activity.  It will also assist developers and housing associations in delivering on the aspirations set out in Firm Foundations  for improving the quality of greenspace in residential areas to create better neighbourhoods and more sustainable places.

We know that high quality, multi-functional and accessible greenspace can make a real difference to quality of life and the sustainability of urban communities.  However, whilst local authorities have found it relatively easy to map and quantify greenspace, understanding and assessing the quality of greenspace has been a real challenge.

The guide identifies five criteria for assessing quality:

• accessible and well connected
• attractive and appealing places
• biodiverse, supporting ecological networks
• active, supporting health and wellbeing
• community supported

A framework is provided for applying these across the PAN65 typology of open space and provides guidance on establishing local standards.  The Guide also includes advice on developing a Strategic Framework for Greenspace, undertaking a Greenspace Audit, developing a Greenspace Strategy and establishing a Monitoring and Evaluation Framework.

The Guidance in Use

The Guidance is being used by many local authorities and others involved in greenspace planning across the Glasgow Clyde Valley (GCV) region and beyond. It has been used to assist in the development of Open Space Strategies (e.g. Glasgow); Development Guidance (e.g. South Lanarkshire); and, Green Network Strategies (e.g. Clyde Waterfront).

For more detailed information download the full Greenspace Quality Guidance document from the right hand column.