The research centre for inclusive access to outdoor environments
In association with Landscape Architecture, Edinburgh College of Art
and the School of the Built Environment, Heriot-Watt University.
OPENspace publications
Innovative Approaches to Research Excellence in Landscape and Health
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This latest book addresses the growing interest in salutogenic environments - landscapes that support healthy lifestyles and promote well-being - and the need for innovative methods to research them. Drawing on multidisciplinary approaches from environmental psychology, health sciences, urban design, landscape architecture and horticulture, it questions how future research can be better targeted to inform policy and practice in health promotion.
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Participation in outdoor recreation by WAG priority groups
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The aim of this study was to undertake a descriptive systematic review of evidence on participation in outdoor recreation by segments of the population that are under-represented at present. The study will contribute to the evidence base on young people, older people, women, ethnic minority groups, people with disabilities, people from contexts of multiple deprivation / in low social class and people with low educational achievement in relation to informal outdoor recreation.
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Greenspace and Quality of Life Literature Review Aug 2008
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This report presents the findings of a major literature review relating to greenspace and a number of different themes. It forms part of a wider research programme managed by the Quality of Life partnership (greenspace scotland, SNH, NHS Health Scotland, Scottish Government, Forestry Commission Scotland and SNIFFER). The review examines recent and current research relating to the links between greenspace and a range of quality of life issues.
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Open Space: People Space
Our new book, Open Space: People Space, offers a rare insight into people’s engagement with the outdoor environment and looks at the design of spaces and places intended to engage with people’s needs and desires in the twenty-first century.
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For more information (including how to order the book) see details (PDF document, 109 KB) |
Free-Range Teenagers: the Role of Wild Adventure Space in Young People’s Lives
The objective of this study was to investigate the hypothesis that the “wild environment” can play an important role in meeting the
developmental needs of young people across England. It has been undertaken on behalf of the Countryside Agency,
English Nature and the Rural Development Service. The context for this work is the policy development strategy for
the new single body, entitled Natural England, formed from elements of the project commissioning partners,
that has been formed under the Natural Environment and Rural Communities Bill:
http://www.defra.gov.uk/rural/ruraldelivery/bill/default.htm
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November 2006, Final report (PDF file, 330 KB) |
Green and Public Space Research: Mapping and Priorities
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June 2006, Full report (PDF document, 186 KB), see also the Department for Communities and Local Government (DCLG) website Access searchable database |
Review of the Scottish Forestry Strategy, Consultation Process: Focus Groups
The results of Focus groups commissioned to explore the views of different groups in relation to the Scottish Forestry Strategy.
A series of five focus groups were undertaken from the following populations:
a) People from a remote rural area, based in Dumfries and Galloway
b) Blind and partially sighted people based in Edinburgh
c) Women from black and minority ethnic groups in Edinburgh
d) People with a range of disabilities, including mobility impairment and mental illness, based in East Lothian
e) Young people from an urban area of social deprivation, based in Glasgow.
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Final report (PDF file, 1.18mb) |
Places in Cumbria for Wildlife and People
It is important to understand how the nearby environment contributes to people’s well-being and quality of life. This project, which English Nature commissioned from OPENspace, focused on local open spaces and wildlife in Cumbria. It explored how a range of stakeholder repres entatives, from health professionals to local businesses and landowners, perceived the value of the natural environment and the need for more local provision of nature reserves.
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Final report (PDF file, 616kb) |
Research Information Note (PDF file, 131kb) |
Nature for People: The Importance of Green Spaces to East Midlands Communities
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For downloadable copies of the 'Nature for People: The Importance of Green Spaces to East Midlands Communities' Research Report no. 567, Exective Summary and Research Information Note, see English Nature's website |
Diversity Review Options for the Countryside Agency
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For downloadable copies of the Diversity Review Options for Implementation, Final Report and Research Note, see the Countryside Agency's website |
Local open space and social inclusion: Case studies of use and abuse of woodlands in Central Scotland
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Download Research Information Note (May 2003) as pdf file (1,336 KB) Download Summary Report (Forestry Commission, 2004) as pdf file (327 KB) The Full Report is available for order from the Forestry Commission website
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Local Open Space and Social Inclusion: Case Studies of Use and Abuse of Woodlands in Scotland
Community Summaries:
Download report on Alloa as pdf file (101 KB)
Download report on Corstorphine as pdf file (101 KB)
Download report on Lennoxtown as pdf file (101 KB)
Download report on Whitburn as pdf file (101 KB)
Download report on Wishaw as pdf file (101KB)