Since the Greenspace map was reaffirmed as a commitment in 2015, OS has worked in collaboration with a large number of Non-Government Organisations and Government partners to compile the OS Open Greenspace dataset and digital map. Accurately depicted within the dataset is the location and extent of recreational and leisure features and, for larger sites, their access points. Example features included in the data is every public park in Great Britain, every play space, playing field, golf course, public garden, bowling green, allotment and more.

The dataset can be viewed via OS Maps www.osmaps.uk/greenspace.

Universities and Science Minister Jo Johnson said: “Greenspaces are a vital part of our landscape and this new database and online map will make it easier for people across the country to access greenspaces and lead healthier lives. With the completion of this mapping project, we have delivered on an important commitment and shown yet again how innovation can improve everyday lives.”

The Scottish Greenspace Map, released by greenspace scotland and the Scottish Government in 2011, was the first of its kind anywhere in the world. This new OS project updates the Scotland Map and extends it to England and Wales, with the aim of making it easier for people to find and access every green corner of Britain’s neighbourhoods, towns and cities.

Scotland’s Minister for Local Government & Housing, Kevin Stewart, said: “It is great to see Scotland leading the way on this. These free, up-to-date, comprehensive maps of accessible green space allow everyone to see where to go to enjoy our wonderful outdoors.

“Evidence shows that improving access to local green space benefits physical health, mental well-being and provides social opportunities. The Greenspace Map helps identify where there is a‎ lack of open space so local authorities, public sector partners and community groups can develop plans to develop and improve these areas within local neighbourhoods.

“These maps provide the cornerstone for open space strategies and green network plans, as well as supporting ground-breaking academic research on green space and health.”

OS has also produced OS MasterMap (OSMM) Greenspace, a public-sector version of the Greenspace map made available through the Public-Sector Mapping Agreement and One Scotland Mapping Agreement. Aimed at giving the public sector accurate and up-to-date geospatial data to improve planning, analysis and decision making, OSMM Greenspace contains the location of all publicly accessible and non-accessible greenspaces.

It is hoped the dataset will prove instrumental in helping the public sector create and manage health and wellbeing strategies, active travel plans and various environmental initiatives that include air quality, biodiversity, housing regeneration and flood resilience.

Find out more:

www.osmaps.uk/greenspace

os.uk/osmmgreenspace

ENDS

Notes to Editors

Product specifications developed in collaboration with stakeholder group including:

• BEIS
• Scottish Government
• Welsh Government
• DCLG
• Defra
• Natural England
• Natural Resources Wales
• Forestry Commission Scotland and Forestry Commission
• Scottish Natural Heritage
• Scottish Environmental Protection Agency
• NHS Health Scotland
  sportscotland
• Central Scotland Green Network Trust and Glasgow & Clyde Valley Green Network Partnership
• CoSLA and Scottish Councils
• Improvement Service
• greenspace scotland
• Public Health England
• Sport England
• BEIS have also engaged with various NGOs e.g. Fields in Trust, Town and Country Planning Association, National Trust, Ramblers, CPRE

About Ordnance Survey

Britain’s mapping agency, Ordnance Survey, makes the most up-to-date and accurate digital and paper maps of the country. Each day OS makes over 10,000 changes to its database of more than 500 million geographic features. Since 1791 OS content has been used to help governments, companies and individuals work more effectively both here and around the world. The information OS gathers helps keep the nation, economy and infrastructure moving.