Greenspace where you live

To find out about the different types and location of greenspace where you live, you could view Scotland's Greenspace Map.

Scotland's Greenspace Map is a world first; no other country has mapped its greenspace in this way. This interactive map provides information about the type and extent of greenspace in urban Scotland (i.e. towns and cities with a population of over 3000). It was compiled in 2011 from greenspace data provided by the 32 Scottish Councils.

It categorises greenspace into 23 different open space types (for example, public parks, private gardens, play areas, semi-natural, community gardens and allotments). These types are based on the Planning and Advice Note (PAN) 65 Planning and Open Space. Sometimes one area has more than one type of greenspace, for example, the main (primary) use of the area may be a public park, but within this an area is used as a play area (secondary use). The primary use is shown as a block of colour (the primary code), and the secondary use is shown as an area of coloured hatching (the secondary code).

This project was led by greenspace scotland and made possible through funding from Scottish Natural Heritage, Scottish Government and Forestry Commission Scotland, and the active support of all 32 Scottish local authorities.

Scotland's Greenspace Map can be viewed as an interactive map and the GIS data can be provided to users with appropriate Ordnance Survey licence arrangements. Further details of how to obtain the GIS data can be obtained from greenspace scotland  .

Open space audit and strategy

To find out further information about greenspace in your area you could ask your local authority  about the open space audit and strategy in your area.

Open space (including greenspace) is important for our quality of life. Scottish Planning Policy recognises this and requires each local authority to carry out an audit and strategy of open space.

What is an Open Space Audit?

The audit identifies, maps and assesses the quality of the open space resource in the local authority area and how it is used. It should also look at how the local communities would like to use their local open spaces in the future.

What is an Open Space Strategy?

The strategy looks at a vision for how the open space resource can be protected and enhanced within the planning system. The ultimate aim is to develop a network of quality open space that is accessible to local people and meets the communities' needs.