Resources
OPENspace is committed to research that is useful and useable. Where possible, we ensure that our outputs are freely available to download, while remaining within our copyright. The research reports, presentations, literature reviews and searchable databases below are listed in reverse chronological order (most recently added first). Please credit OPENspace, and the individual authors, when citing our work and contact us if you need more information.
Why does the outdoor environment matter?
In brief:Summary of research findings from both phases of Inclusive Design for Getting Outdoors (I'DGO), with key messages and implications for professionals and policy makers.
Resource type: Four-page, fully-illustrated, full-colour leaflet
Format: FREE pdf download, 1.6MB; hardcopy (on request)
Publication date: April 2012 (I'DGO)
News: I'DGO TOO findings launched in Europe House
Going Outdoors: Falls, Ageing & Resilience (Go Far)
In brief: Introductory poster for a pilot project exploring issues around older people, outdoor falls and the design of the built environment. Provides notes on context, work packages and team.
Resource type: Single page, fully-illustrated, full-colour poster
Format: FREE pdf download, 667KB
Publication date: December 2011 (Go Far)
News: OPENspace participates in first Go Far consortium meeting
Ten years of research excellence in inclusive access to outdoor environments
In brief: Pocket history of OPENspace celebrating the first ten years of the research centre
Resource type: two-page booklet with colour photographs, a timeline, list of team members (past and present) and testimonials from clients, funders and collaborators.
Format: FREE pdf download, 940KB; concertina booklet (forthcoming)
Publication date: July 2011 (OPENspace)
Research into Inclusive Outdoor Environments for All - Open Space : People Space 3 (conference proceedings)
In brief: Proceedings from the third Open Space: People Space international conference held in Edinburgh (27-29 June 2011), including seven summary keynote papers and abstracts for four workshops, 64 presentations and 15 posters.
Resource type: 133-page proceedings booklet with greyscale figures.
Format: FREE pdf download, 1.6MB; ring-bound, paperback booklet (ISBN: 978-1-904443-49-0)
Publication date: June 2011 (OPENspace)
Peri-Urbanisation in Europe: Towards European Policies to Sustain Urban-Rural Futures
In brief: Executive Summary, plus four-part Synthesis Report, bringing together the work of over 30 international partners involved in PLUREL. Details the trends, risks and opportunities for peri-urbanisation in Europe, and provides recommendations for targeted policies and new concepts of urban-rural linkages.
Resource type: 148-page, fully-illustrated, full-colour book
Format: FREE pdf download, 6.4MB; paperback book (ISBN: 978-87-7903-534-8)
Publication date: May 2011 (Academic Books Life Sciences / the University of Copenhagen)
Migration and Land Use Change in Europe: A Review
In brief: Peer reviewed, open access journal article, first published in Living Reviews in Landscape Research, on work undertaken as part of the PLUREL project focusing on European migration and land use change now and in the future.
Resource type: 49-page, fully-illustrated, full-colour journal article
Format: FREE pdf download, 9.86MB
Publication date: August 2010 (Living Reviews in Landscape Research, Leibniz Centre for Agricultural Landscape Research)
Community green: using local spaces to tackle inequality and improve health (research summary)
In brief:Summary document providing the background and methodology to the Community Green study and key findings on the inter-relationship between urban green space, inequality, ethnicity, health and wellbeing.
Resource type: 12-page, fully-illustrated, full-colour brochure
Format: FREE pdf download, 1.1MB
Publication date: July 2010 (CABE Space, Commission for Architecture and the Built Environment)
News: CABE publishes Community Green - a ground-breaking study by OPENspace
Community green: using local spaces to tackle inequality and improve health (full report)
In brief:Full report detailing the background and methodology to the Community Green study and all findings on the inter-relationship between urban green space, inequality, ethnicity, health and wellbeing.
Resource type: 61-page report with colour diagrams
Format: FREE pdf download, 1.17MB
Publication date: July 2010 (CABE Space, Commission for Architecture and the Built Environment)
News: CABE publishes Community Green - a ground-breaking study by OPENspace
Making the Case for the Social Sciences: No.2 Ageing
In brief:14 case studies, including one on Inclusive Design for Getting Outdoors (I’DGO), on research highlighting the socio-economic challenges of ageing and the policy implications of wide discrepancies in life expectation, income and health.
Resource type: 24-page, fully-illustrated, full-colour brochure
Format: FREE pdf download, 669KB
Publication date: July 2010 (Academy of Social Sciences)
News: OPENspace research featured in major new report on socio-economic implications of ageing
Wild Adventure Space: its role in teenagers’ lives (Natural England Commissioned Report NECR025)
In brief: Executive summary, plus full, nine-part report, on research into wild adventure space and young people’s developmental needs. Includes details of background and methodology, findings from literature reviews, focus groups etc., conclusions and recommendations for future action.
Resource type: 70-page report with colour diagrams
Format: FREE pdf download, 714KB
Publication date: May 2010 (Natural England)
News: Natural England publishes OPENspace research on wild adventure space and young people’s needs
Inclusive Design for Getting Outdoors: Pedestrian-friendly neighbourhoods
In brief: Summary of all I’DGO findings to date plus an in-depth look at the aims, methodology and progress of current I’DGO TOO research into the effects of living in ‘shared space’ neighbourhoods, such as Home Zones, on older people’s activity patterns, wellbeing and quality of life.
Resource type: 16-page, fully-illustrated, full-colour brochure
Format: FREE hardcopy (on request); FREE pdf download, 604KB
Publication date: March 2010 (Inclusive Design for Getting Outdoors)
News: OPENspace publication launched at flagship Anglo-Canadian knowledge transfer event
A Built Environment for All Ages
In brief: Report on multi-disciplinary KT-EQUAL workshop hosted by OPENspace on behalf of Inclusive Design for Getting Outdoors and KT-EQUAL. Summarises keynote presentations and proceedings from break-out sessions exploring what is meant by "a built environment for all ages" and how it impacts on wellbeing, links with policy etc.
Resource type: Nine-page report
Format: FREE pdf download, 227KB
Publication date: March 2010 (Inclusive Design for Getting Outdoors / KT-EQUAL)
Forest school: evidence for restorative health benefits in young people
In brief: Summary document providing the background and methodology to, and key findings from, a study exploring whether forest settings could offer psychological benefits to adolescents with varying emotional needs.
Resource type: Four-page, fully-illustrated, full-colour report
Format: FREE pdf download, 644KB
Publication date: March 2009 (Forestry Commission Scotland / Economic and Social Research Council)
A Critical Review of Research in Landscape and Woodland Perceptions, Aesthetics, Affordances and Experience
In brief: An overview of recent and current research trends and their implications for innovation and good practice in the management of green space. Updates and builds on an earlier Literature Review for the same client (Ward Thompson and Boyd, 1998).
Resource type: 42-page report
Format: FREE pdf download, 310KB
Publication date: December 2009 (Forestry Commission)
Vision: Research at Edinburgh College of Art 2009/2010
In brief: Overview of all ECA current and future research projects in the creative disciplines. Includes a 6-pp ‘focus’ feature on Inclusive Design for Getting Outdoors, a 2-pp profile of OPENspace, and individual team member biographies.
Resource type: 184-page, fully-illustrated, full-colour brochure
Format: FREE pdf download,
Publication date: November 2009 (Edinburgh College of Art)
Greenspace and quality of life: a critical literature review
In brief: Executive summary, plus full, seven-part report, on a review of recent and current research relating to the links between greenspace and a range of quality of life issues, including: health and wellbeing; social and community value; economic value/impact; environmental value; and planning and design.
Resource type: 75-page report
Format: FREE pdf download, 960KB
Publication date: August 2008 (Greenspace Scotland)
Participation in outdoor recreation by WAG priority groups (Countryside Council for Wales Policy Research Report No. 08/15)
In brief: Dual-language executive summary, plus full, seven-part report, on a systematic review of evidence on participation in outdoor recreation by underrepresented segments of the population. Includes details of background and methodology, a synthesis of results from the systematic review, key findings by category, conclusions and recommendations.
Resource type: 105-page report with colour diagrams
Format: FREE pdf download, 5.96MB
Publication date: June 2008 (Countryside Council for Wales)
Innovative Approaches to Research Excellence in Landscape and Health - Open Space: People Space 2 (searchable conference database)
In brief: Fully searchable database of papers and proceedings from the second Open Space: People Space international conference held in Edinburgh (19-21 September 2007)
Resource type: Electronic database searchable by author(s) and/or keyword(s)
Format: FREE web-based database
Publication date: September 2007 (OPENspace)
Innovative Approaches to Research Excellence in Landscape and Health - Open Space: People Space 2 (conference proceedings)
In brief: Proceedings from the second Open Space: People Space international conference held in Edinburgh (19-21 September 2007), including summary papers and poster abstracts.
Resource type: 64-page report
Format: FREE pdf download,
Publication date: September 2007 (OPENspace)
Woods in and Around Towns (WIAT) Evaluation: Baseline Survey
In brief: Final report on a project to assist Forestry Commission Scotland evaluate the effectiveness of the Woods in and Around Towns (WIAT) programme. Includes details of background and methodology - including the design and administration of questionnaires and environmental audit tools - as well as full results and commentary.
Resource type: 80-page, fully-illustrated, full-colour report
Format: FREE pdf download, 5.46MB
Publication date: March 2007 (Forestry Commission Scotland)
Wild Adventure Space for Young People: Literature Review - Survey of Findings (Document WASYP 1)
In brief: Review, building on work undertaken by Barret and Greenaway in 1995, of literature concerning young people and ‘wild adventure space’, including issues surrounding risk, benefits to individuals and society, future planning and possible barriers.
Resource type: 30-page report
Format: FREE pdf download, 559KB
Publication date: September 2006 (The Countryside Agency, English Nature and Rural Development Service)
Wild Adventure Space for Young People: Individual Reviews (Document WASYP 2)
In brief: Individual reviews of literature concerning young people and ‘wild adventure space’, including issues surrounding risk, benefits to individuals and society, future planning and possible barriers.
Resource type: 251-page report
Format: FREE pdf download, 1.834MB
Publication date: September 2006 (The Countryside Agency, English Nature and Rural Development Service)
Places in Cumbria for wildlife and people (Research Information Note)
In brief: Executive summary on research exploring how a range of stakeholder representatives in Cumbria - from health professionals to local businesses and landowners - perceived the value of the natural environment, particularly Local Nature Reserves. Includes key findings, recommendations for action and a note from the client, English Nature.
Resource type: Two-page pamphlet
Format: FREE pdf download, 131KB
Publication date: August 2006 (English Nature)
Places in Cumbria for wildlife and people (English Nature Research Report No.705)
In brief: Executive summary, plus full, ten-part report, on research exploring how a range of stakeholder representatives in Cumbria - from health professionals to local businesses and landowners - perceived the value of the natural environment, particularly Local Nature Reserves.
Resource type: Two-page pamphlet
Format: FREE pdf download, 616KB
Publication date: August 2006 (English Nature)
Green and Public Space Research: Mapping and Priorities (research summary)
In brief: Summary document providing the background and methodology to Green and Public Space Research and key findings on both existing and future research into public and green space and gaps yet to be addressed.
Resource type: Eight-page report
Format: FREE pdf download, 121KB
Publication date: June 2006 (Department for Communities and Local Government)
Green and Public Space Research: Mapping and Priorities (full report)
In brief: Full, six-part report on a project to map existing and future research into public and green space, to identify gaps (in order to help set priorities for future research) and to develop a freely accessible and searchable database of all research (see below).
Resource type: 29-page report
Format: FREE pdf download, 186KB
Publication date: June 2006 (Department for Communities and Local Government)
Green and Public Space Research: Mapping and Priorities (searchable database)
In brief: Database of existing research into public and green space carried out since 1994; including published, unpublished and completed-but-not-yet-published work, plus ongoing and planned research.
Resource type: Electronic database searchable by keyword, theme, typology, output type, location, year and organisation
Format: FREE web-based database
Publication date: June 2006 (Department for Communities and Local Government)
Review of the Scottish Forestry Strategy, Consultation Process: Focus Groups
In brief: Executive summary, plus full, four-part report, on a focus group-based exercise to widen the consultation base for the Review of the Scottish Forestry Strategy (SFS). Includes details of objectives and methodology, data analysis and conclusions, as well as transcripts from the five focus groups.
Resource type: 92-page report
Format: FREE pdf download, 1.18MB
Publication date: April 2006 (Forestry Commission Scotland)
Open Space: People Space - an international conference on inclusive environments (searchable conference database)
In brief: Fully searchable database of papers and proceedings from the first Open Space: People Space international conference held in Edinburgh (27-29 October 2004)
Resource type: Electronic database searchable by author(s) and/or keyword(s)
Format: FREE web-based database
Publication date: October 2004 (OPENspace)
Open Space and Social Inclusion: Local Woodland Use in Central Scotland (research summary)
In brief: Executive summary of research into how forests are used and abused by local people in communities in central Scotland and what the design and management implications of this are for forest managers.
Resource type: 16-page, fully-illustrated, full-colour report
Format: FREE pdf download, 327KB; hardcopy (with full report on CD) on request from Forestry Commission Scotland
Publication date: May 2004 (Forestry Commission Scotland)
Open Space and Social Inclusion: Local Woodland Use in Central Scotland - Alloa Case Study
In brief: Findings specific to Alloa (arising from focus groups, questionnaire analysis and site-base observations) extracted from the full report on Open Space and Social Inclusion: Local Woodland Use in Central Scotland.
Resource type: Four-page report
Format: FREE pdf download, 101KB
Publication date: May 2004 (Forestry Commission Scotland)
Open Space and Social Inclusion: Local Woodland Use in Central Scotland - Corstorphine Case Study
In brief: Findings specific to Corstorphine (arising from focus groups, questionnaire analysis and site-base observations) extracted from the full report on Open Space and Social Inclusion: Local Woodland Use in Central Scotland.
Resource type: Four-page report
Format: FREE pdf download, 101KB
Publication date: May 2004 (Forestry Commission Scotland)
Open Space and Social Inclusion: Local Woodland Use in Central Scotland - Lennoxtown Case Study
In brief: Findings specific to Lennoxtown (arising from focus groups, questionnaire analysis and site-base observations) extracted from the full report on Open Space and Social Inclusion: Local Woodland Use in Central Scotland.
Resource type: Four-page report
Format: FREE pdf download, 101KB
Publication date: May 2004 (Forestry Commission Scotland)
Open Space and Social Inclusion: Local Woodland Use in Central Scotland - Whitburn Case Study
In brief: Findings specific to Whitburn (arising from focus groups, questionnaire analysis and site-base observations) extracted from the full report on Open Space and Social Inclusion: Local Woodland Use in Central Scotland.
Resource type: Four-page report
Format: FREE pdf download, 101KB
Publication date: May 2004 (Forestry Commission Scotland)
Open Space and Social Inclusion: Local Woodland Use in Central Scotland - Wishaw Case Study
In brief: Findings specific to Wishaw (arising from focus groups, questionnaire analysis and site-base observations) extracted from the full report on Open Space and Social Inclusion: Local Woodland Use in Central Scotland.
Resource type: Four-page report
Format: FREE pdf download, 101KB
Publication date: May 2004 (Forestry Commission Scotland)
Diversity review - options for implementation (Countryside Agency Research Note CRN75)
In brief: Summary of the aims and key findings of research into how best to implement a full review of the diversity of people accessing and enjoying the countryside. Includes material on: current barriers to access; past and current projects to increase participation in countryside enjoyment; and methods for outreach to under-represented groups.
Resource type: Four-page pamphlet with colour diagrams
Format: FREE pdf download, 60KB
Publication date: February 2004 (The Countryside Agency)
Nature for People: The Importance of Green Spaces to East Midlands Communities (executive summary)
In brief: Executive summary on research evaluating how the environment contributes to people’s social well-being and
quality of life. Includes summary details of background and methodology, key findings and lessons for planners and managers of green space.
Resource type: Two-page, fully-illustrated, full-colour pamphlet
Format: FREE pdf download, 91KB
Publication date: January 2004 (English Nature)
Nature for People: The Importance of Green Spaces to East Midlands Communities (English Nature Research Report No.567)
In brief: Executive summary, plus full, six-part report, on research evaluating how the environment contributes to people’s social well-being and quality of life. Includes full details of background and methodology, all findings and lessons for planners and managers of green space.
Resource type: 164-page report with colour photographs and diagrams
Format: FREE pdf download, 1.05MB
Publication date: January 2004 (English Nature)
Black and Minority Ethnic Groups and Public Open Space (literature review)
In brief: Five-part literature review addressing issues such as ethnicity and exclusion, barriers to participation and strategies for increasing participation by black and minority ethnic groups.
Resource type: 38-page report
Format: FREE pdf download, 145KB
Publication date: July 2003 (Nina Morris / OPENspace)
Black and Minority Ethnic Groups and Public Open Space (individual reviews)
In brief: Individual reviews of literature addressing issues such as ethnicity and exclusion, barriers to participation and strategies for increasing participation by black and minority ethnic groups.
Resource type: 112-page report
Format: FREE pdf download, 323KB
Publication date: July 2003 (Nina Morris / OPENspace)
Teenagers and Public Space (literature review)
In brief: Full review of literature on teenagers and public space, addressing issues such as young people’s perceptions of their local environment, crime, vandalism, curfews, skateboarding and exclusion from public space.
Resource type: 26-page report
Format: FREE pdf download, 127KB
Publication date: July 2003 (Penny Travlou / OPENspace)
Health, Well-being and Open Space (literature review)
In brief: Full review of literature on health, well-being and open space, addressing issues such as open-air recreation and the economic, environmental and health benefits of natural open space and green space
Resource type: 40-page report
Format: FREE pdf download, 174KB
Publication date: July 2003 (Nina Morris / OPENspace)
Health, Well-being and Open Space (individual reviews)
In brief: Individual reviews of literature addressing health, well-being and open space, particularly open-air recreation and the economic, environmental and health benefits of natural open space and green space
Resource type: 62-page report
Format: FREE pdf download, 267KB
Publication date: July 2003 (Nina Morris / OPENspace)
Review of Research in Landscape and Woodland Perceptions, Aesthetics and Experience (literature review)
In brief: Full review of literature on landscape perceptions, especially those of forests and woodlands; and landscape aesthetics, especially those of forests and woodlands and the experience of being in them.
Resource type: 12-page report
Format: FREE pdf download, 135KB
Publication date: May 1998 (Catharine Ward Thompson and Fiona Boyd for Forestry Commission)
Review of Research in Landscape and Woodland Perceptions, Aesthetics and Experience (individual reviews)
In brief: Individual reviews of literature addressing landscape perceptions, especially those of forests and woodlands; and landscape aesthetics, especially those of forests and woodlands and the experience of being in them.
Resource type: 86-page report
Format: FREE pdf download, 684KB
Publication date: May 1998 (Catharine Ward Thompson and Fiona Boyd for Forestry Commission)
