Social deprivation and access to green space : an Edinburgh investigation

The benefits of green spaces are wide ranging. They include environmental benefits such high levels of biodiversity, improved air quality and a reduced risk of flooding. Green infrastructure like public parks encourages inward investment and help communities happier and healthier. However, not everyone in Scotland has equal access to green spaces.

The 2018 Scottish Household survey reported that adults living in the most deprived areas of Scotland were less likely to have made any visits to the outdoors in the past 12 months. This figure was 18% in the most deprived areas compared to 5% in the least deprived areas. Statistics also found that the most socially deprived communities are the least likely to have access to a local green space within a five-minute walk and the most likely to face an 11 minute plus walk. 

Some of the city's largest green spaces are concentrated in city center, including the Meadows, Princes Street Gardens and Queen's Street. However, it is residential areas that tell the true story. Nearby green space raises property prices. Office for National Statistics research recently found that living near green space can potentially add an average of £2,500 to a property price. The capital's most expensive streets (as of September 2019) are in areas with high levels of green space. Edinburgh's most expensive street Whitehouse Terrace has expansive private gardens and is literally over the road from the 'green oasis' that is the Astley Ainslie site. Blackford Hill and Hermitage of Braid is just over a 5 minute walk.

Studies have placed Craigmillar as the most deprived and most green area of Edinburgh. Over 30% of children in the Craigmillar area** are currently living in poverty and some pockets rank on the lowest decile on the Scottish Index of Multiple Deprivation*** (SIMD). However, contrary to the general hypothesis that socially deprived areas do not have many green spaces, Craigmillar has a number of expansive public green spaces.

Green Councilor, for Craigmillar/Portobello Mary Campbell said:

"In my ward the green space is very well used, and councilors are often contacted by a variety of residents about park maintenance issues - the spaces are not very well used, but the residents are passionate about their care".

" I think the council has been good at looking for improvements to parks and greenspaces, and working with developers to try and ensure spaces are of a high quality. A recent example in Craigmillar has been the investment the council has put into Little France park, and the consistent refusal of planning committee to grant permission for home building on the site"

The same study placed Pilton as the most deprived and least green area of Edinburgh. 34% of children living in the Forth**** ward, live in poverty. The area is undoubtedly less green than Craigmillar, however, there are green spaces present and in development.

Overall as a city, Edinburgh is green throughout . Based on the small sample of evidence gathered in this article, Edinburgh does fit the hypothesis that the areas of low deprivation have high levels of green space. However, the city manages to create an anomaly when it comes to areas of high deprivation, as the majority of Edinburgh's socially deprived areas are green.

The Scottish government have recognised the worrying relationship between social deprivation and access to green space in a Scotland-wide context. This summer, Scottish Natural Heritage's ambitious Green Infastructure project announced a £8 million funding boost, that will support 7 major projects across the central belt. Through these projects the trust aims to "tackle socio-economic issues such as poor health and high unemployment as well as mitigate the impacts of climate change through creating and improving greenspaces in urban communities". Former projects have seen the redevelopment and re-connection in Glasgow's Easterhouse area.

Edinburgh Council's admission that they have considered opening up the green belt for housing is worrying. Also, the lack of concern the Council have demonstrated for the protection of the green space of West Princes Street Gardens is also concerning. Furthermore, it must not be forgotten that project such as the redevelopment of West Pilton Park are supported by outside organisations such as Edinburgh and Lothians Greenspaces Trust.

As demand for new build housing increases and council budgets are cut further, only time will tell if councils and government continue to tackle inequality in access to green spaces. However, Edinburgh City Council for the most part continues to regularly invest in green space projects in socially deprived areas of the city. Legislation and plans are in place to ensure the further protection and development of the city's green spaces.

** 'Craigmillar' was considered in the context of the Craigmillar/Portobello council ward.

***According to SIMD statistics 2016

**** 'Pilton' was considered in the context of the 'Forth' council ward