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
The 2024 Green Space Index focuses on the accessibility of playgrounds for Britain's children, after growing concerns about a crisis for play, with far-reaching implications on health, wellbeing, and physical activity levels.
1 in 3 children aged under nine (2.3 million) in Britain today do not have a playground near their home
4 out of 10 councils have more than a third of children living further than a ten-minute walk from a playground, which rises to two-thirds in some areas
On average, a single playground serves 376 children - which increases in more deprived areas
Explore our infographics
Yearly 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.
6.3 million
People without ten-minute walking access to a green space
30m²
Average amount of green space per person
200,000ha
Total amount of green space in Great Britain
Only 7%
Legally protected parks and green spaces
4,000
New parks required by 2033 to maintain current levels.
How green is your neighbourhood?
Explore our Green Space Index data tool to see how your neighbourhood compares.
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.
You might also be interested in...
What we are working on
Dive into the details of how our work has benefited communities just like yours, by learning more about our extraordinary protection programmes.
How we protect parks and green spaces
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. 93% 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.