The Scottish Wildlife Trust has today urged the Scottish Parliament to give full recognition to the value of nature-rich greenspace as a key asset to Scotland’s cities.

The Scottish Wildlife Trust is disappointed that the Scottish Government’s Cities Strategy, which will help shape the future of Scotland’s cities, has failed to recognise the connection between nature-rich greenspace, successful cities, health and wellbeing, the economy and climate change.

The best, most vibrant, successful and sustainable cities work with, encourage and embrace nature. For example Stockholm, a city renowned for its beauty and architecture and winner of the Green Capital Cities award in 2010, has 1000 parks across the city; Glasgow has just 56.

Providing more high quality greenspace in cities can benefit the economy too by: encouraging people to adopt a healthier lifestyle by spending more active time outdoors – thereby helping to reduce the burden on the Health Service; connecting people to nature on a daily basis which has a positive effect on mental health in adults by reducing anxiety and depression; and providing essential ecosystem services such as helping to reduce flood risk and air pollution.

Speaking ahead of a debate in the Scottish Parliament on the Cities Strategy, Dr. Maggie Keegan from the Scottish Wildlife Trust said: 

“Scotland should be leading the way in creating more sustainable, vibrant and attractive cities where people want to live their lives; part of getting this right is designing in nature. The Scottish Government should recognise that green cities are successful cities. Providing more havens for urban wildlife will also help Scotland meet its 2020 biodiversity targets and allow city dwellers to connect with nature on a daily basis which has proven health and wellbeing benefits.”