Fields in Trust

Green Space Index

Our Green Space Index (GSI) is a unique data tool designed to track and analyse green space provision across Great Britain.

Headline findings

Every year we take a closer look at our parks and green spaces to see which areas don’t have enough or don’t have good access to them. By reporting how that is changing over time we can identify where more action needs to be taken.

6.1 million
People without ten-minute walking access to a green space

30m²
Average amount of green space per person

198,134ha
Total amount of green space in Great Britain

Only 6%
Legally protected parks and green spaces

How green is your neighbourhood?

Explore our Green Space Index data tool to see how your neighbourhood compares.

What we’ve learnt

Thanks to the Green Space Index, we now know there are more than 6 million people across Great Britain who do not have access to a park or green space within an easy ten-minute walk from home. We also know that this is increasing every year, and that it tends to be the most deprived communities that are most affected.

As our population continues to grow, we estimate that an extra 4,000 new parks and green spaces will need to be created by 2033 just to maintain current provision levels. But, due to housing pressures and budget cuts, the amount of green space is actually expected to decline substantially over the next 20 years.

We need to act fast. Not only to prevent the loss of our existing parks and green spaces but to encourage planners and policymakers to prioritise the creation of new ones.

England

GSI
0.82
Total Provision
164,164ha.
Provision per person
29m²
Not within ten-minute walk of green space
5,216,357

Scotland

GSI
1.18
Total Provision
22,531ha.
Provision per person
41m²
Not within ten-minute walk of green space
532,264

Wales

GSI
1.03
Total Provision
11,438ha.
Provision per person
36m²
Not within ten-minute walk of green space
415,788

East of England

GSI
1.04
Total Provision
23,209ha.
Provision per person
36m²
Not within ten-minute walk of green space
892,310

East Midlands

GSI
0.86
Total Provision
14,853ha.
Provision per person
30m²
Not within ten-minute walk of green space
490,402

London

GSI
0.54
Total Provision
17,812ha.
Provision per person
19m²
Not within ten-minute walk of green space
172,134

North East

GSI
0.84
Total Provision
7,816ha.
Provision per person
29m²
Not within ten-minute walk of green space
303,148

North West

GSI
0.78
Total Provision
20,080ha.
Provision per person
27m²
Not within ten-minute walk of green space
524,135

South East

GSI
0.96
Total Provision
31,609ha.
Provision per person
34m²
Not within ten-minute walk of green space
1,037,107

South West

GSI
0.82
Total Provision
16,723ha.
Provision per person
29m²
Not within ten-minute walk of green space
759,415

West Midlands

GSI
0.87
Total Provision
18,246ha.
Provision per person
30m²
Not within ten-minute walk of green space
649,466

Yorkshire and The Humber

GSI
0.72
Total Provision
14,216ha.
Provision per person
26m²
Not within ten-minute walk of green space
498,241

How we use GSI data to effect change

By providing data-led insights, the GSI plays an important part in our efforts to influence planners, landowners and policymakers to take action to save our parks and green spaces for good.

We also use this data when engaging with landowners. By showing the need and value of green space in their communities, we secured groundbreaking commitments from Liverpool City Council, City of Edinburgh Council and the County Borough of Wrexham to protect their portfolios of green space for good.

Read our Frequently Asked Questions.

Throughout the pandemic the huge value of green spaces to local communities has been underlined, and going forward parks should be embraced as an important part of our collective recovery. The Green Space Index will provide a key tool for Local Authorities to identify inequity of access to green spaces, and to protect them for communities now and in the future.

HRH The Prince of Wales, President, Fields in Trust

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Discover how Fields in Trust is positively transforming how we protect, support, and champion these precious places.

Get Involved

Explore the many ways you can get involved to help protect the future of our parks and green spaces.

Whilst you're here…

Please help us to protect parks forever. 94% of British parks could be at risk. With your help, we can ensure they will always be there for you and your loved ones to enjoy. Please consider making a donation towards our important work.