This document is integral to the development of the Greenspace for Communities Initiative (GfCI). It demonstrates a clear commitment from Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) to achieving the GfCI vision and to work in partnership to strengthen and develop action on greenspace across Scotland. The purpose of the plan is to:

- examine links between the GfCI and a range of national policies and programmes;

- set out the role and actions of SNH in relation to the GfCI;

- confirm key partners in delivering the GfCI vision.

National support for local action

A Business Case for the GfCI, submitted to the Scottish Executive by SNH in 2001, acknowledged the need for a more coordinated, higher profile approach to improving greenspace in Scotland’s towns and cities. It proposed an Initiative that would work at a national and local level to improve the quality of life in urban Scotland by involving communities in projects to enhance the green environment (Box 1). The Business Case proposed bringing together organisations working to improve greenspaces across urban Scotland to establish Greenspace Scotland, a new national federation of local greenspace partnerships, to:

Establishing a federation of local partnerships would ensure that grass-roots issues affecting the delivery of greenspace projects are given a high priority nationally, while recognising the need for local solutions to local problems. Greenspace Scotland would support the development of existing greenspace partnerships, and act as a catalyst for the establishment of greenspace partnerships in new areas. It would also develop links with national and regional organisations with related remits, ensuring that greenspace is integrated into the wider policy agenda. The Business Case also demonstrated the benefits of re-structuring greenspace projects in Glasgow and the Clyde Valley to create a new regional trust. The Glasgow and Clyde Valley Greenspace Trust (GCVGT) would coordinate greenspace work across the area, helping to establish priorities and take advantage of opportunities at a regional level.

The Business Case for the GfCI was accepted by the Scottish Executive in November 2001. This enabled SNH to take forward the development of Greenspace Scotland, bringing together a range of partners to launch the largest new Initiative it has ever established. Annex 1 gives other key stages in the development of GfCI.

Building on experience

SNH and its predecessors have a long and successful record of working with others to improve and create greenspaces. Between 1985 and 1999 SNH, local authorities and others established partnerships to deliver Countryside Around Towns (CAT) projects. Working mainly in urban fringe areas, the CAT projects delivered landscape, access and biodiversity improvements and promoted community involvement.

Successive reviews of the CAT projects highlighted the need for increased resources, and a more coordinated approach that would better reflect emerging government priorities. Greenspace Scotland and the local greenspace partnerships will build on the experience of the CAT projects, extending greenspace action throughout the urban area, targeting those communities with least access to quality greenspace and placing community involvement at its core. Greenspace Scotland will encourage the development of new partnerships, secure additional resources and improve coordination of, and support for, local action across Scotland.

Securing commitment

The GfCI is identified in SNH’s Corporate Strategy as a priority in caring for the natural heritage in and around Scotland’s settlements. The key element is the contribution that the GfCI will make to enriching peoples lives. The GfCI will complement and support related action including that on open space strategies, Local Nature Reserves, access, local biodiversity action plans, Gardens for Life and environmental education. Involving a wide range of partners, the GfCI will make significant improvements to the quality and quantity of greenspace in Scotland.

Through the Business Case, SNH secured approval from the Scottish Executive to invest £2.40 million in the establishment and development of the GfCI - over 21% of the total cost for the first 5 years of operation. Through Fresh Futures, a partnership of Forward Scotland and SNH, a further £1.04 million has been made available by the New Opportunities Fund (NOF) for 2002 - 2005. Funding from Local Authorities, government agencies and others (European, charitable trusts, private) is expected to bring the total funding package to more than £11.3 million over the first 5 years (see figure 1 and annex 2). It is essential to recognise that significant additional resources will be required to address the range of issues involved. Greenspace Scotland and the local greenspace partnerships will work with a wide range of partners to attract further funding.

The GfCI is planned to run for at least 10 years, improving existing greenspaces, creating new ones, developing skills and supporting community involvement that will provide a sound platform for continuous improvement beyond the period of the Initiative.

This plan sets out SNH’s commitment to the management and development of the GfCI, and compliments Greenspace Scotland’s Strategy, 2002 – 2005. It will help will guide and monitor SNH’s involvement in the GfCI. It will also be used to raise awareness of Greenspace Scotland and the local greenspace partnerships, with a view to widening involvement at both a national and local level. It has been produced by the SNH Greenspace for Communities Steering Group, following consultation with SNH staff and Greenspace Scotland and its members.

Box 1

GfCI aims to:

Deliver joint environmental action to promote sustainability, improve quality of life and enhance the competitiveness of urban Scotland by:

• creating new green spaces and improving the management of existing ones;

• extending opportunities for people to enjoy countryside in and around towns;

• making Scotland’s settlements more attractive places.

The Initiative will be delivered in a way which:

• encourages community participation and an increased sense of ownership;

• enhances biodiversity;

• improves urban landscapes and eliminates degraded ones;

• uses green space to encourage healthy lifestyles, and for sport and recreation;

•  fosters understanding and appreciation of the environment;

•  promotes community economic development;

• creates opportunities for employment, training, work experience and volunteering;

• develops community pride.

Objectives

• Greenspace and society: Raise awareness and appreciation of the value of green space by encouraging and supporting participation and involvement by communities in its improvement, management and maintenance.

• Greenspace and physical improvements: Enhance the quality of disadvantaged communities through the improvement of their local green spaces and by increasing accessibility, biodiversity, landscape quality and amenity.

• Greenspace and strengthening local economies: Enhance economic opportunities, inward investment, and employment by improving the physical environment in which business, communities and individuals are located.