Open spaces, green spaces

Scotland has a wide variety of open and green spaces and many of these are in urbanised environments.  

Formal municipal parks, open spaces  , green spaces and networks play an important part in the urban landscape, but the ecological value of these spaces varies enormously.

Some areas of public open space have evolved from more natural landscapes and therefore still retain many features such as old grassland and trees. However, newly created sites can also be designed and managed to incorporate biodiversity value. e.g. through creative planting or use of sensitive mowing regimes.  

Networks of all of these together have not only biodiversity benefits, but also social and economic ones.

Golf courses

With the right management golf courses can be brilliant for biodiversity.

Local parks and play grounds

Increasing the benefits of parks and play areas

Country parks

Country parks include semi-natural habitats and the species that live in them, close to towns and cities.