Interim Assessment of NHSScotland Greenspace Report
Public Health Scotland has published its Interim Assessment of NHSScotland Greenspace Report. This report describes for the first time, the greenspace resource contained within the NHS estate in Scotland. PHS led on this program of work as part of the National Greenspace, Biodiversity and Green Health workstream to support actions within the NHS Climate Emergency and Sustainability Strategy. This report represents an important baseline to help inform future planning and management of the NHS outdoor estate to help maximise its contribution to climate, biodiversity and health.
The interim report represents the first phase of work to complete a GIS map of the NHS estate in Scotland. The next phase of the program will look at accessibility and quality of this Greenspace and will also take account of how the natural capital of the estate is valued. Additional layers such as flood mitigation and biodiversity value can be added. The GIS map of the NHS estate is also a useful tool in the collaboration with local authorities and in supporting Open Space Strategies and development of nature networks.
Key Findings:
- The size of the NHS outdoor estate in Scotland is 1,572 hectares
- Based on the data received to date, it is estimated that just over half (52%, 825 hectares) of the total NHSScotland estate is greenspace
- More than 50% of NHSScotland greenspace is contained within just four territorial health boards
- Seven health boards have greenspace coverage that exceeds 50% of their total estate
For further information please email jodi.dean2@phs.scot