Cardiff lacks green spaces, says study

CARDIFF is among the cities in the UK with the lowest access to green space.

A new free Ordnance Survey database and interactive map plots all publicly accessible parks, gardens, playing fields, golf courses and allotments.

Ahead of the public release of the data today, cities have been rated for their access to the green space.

The Welsh capital’s 391 spaces include 49 playing fields, 47 public parks or gardens and 98 “play spaces”.

That totals just 8% of its area as a publicly accessible green space.

Birmingham topped the table with its 1,070 parks making up 15.6% of its area defined as accessible open space.

Cardiff fared better than Bristol, which has just 6.8% of accessible open space, as well as Leeds (6.6%) and Plymouth (5.4%) – the cities with the lowest levels overall.

But it fell well short of Glasgow, which, despite being one of Scotland’s industrial heartlands, was shown to be one of the UK’s greenest urban areas with 13.5% accessible green space.

Despite a number of city centre parks and green spaces, there have been concerns that the city’s green space is in decline.

Cardiff Bay residents have recently launched a campaign to oppose the creation of the new Dolffin Quay development saying it would result in the loss of the last green space in the Bay area.

As part of the scheme, the OS will release data for other Welsh areas today, so people can compare areas.

The Greenspace scheme is a UK Government initiative to make it easier for people to locate and access green areas.

OS chief executive Nigel Clifford, said: “Geospatial data can transform Governments, businesses and communities for the better. We see that through our work in Great Britain and internationally, and we’re excited to be one of those at the forefront leading this and making contributions of consequence and benefit.

“I am excited to see how people experiment and work with the data and look forward to seeing new products and services to help encourage an active Great Britain.”

Universities and Science Minister Jo Johnson said: “Green spaces are a vital part of our landscape, and this new database and online map will make it easier for people across the country to access greenspaces and lead healthier lives.

“With the completion of this mapping project, we have delivered on an important commitment and shown yet again how innovation can improve everyday lives.”

The scheme has been running in Scotland since 2011. Kevin Stewart, Scotland’s Minister for Local Government and Housing said: “Evidence shows that improving access to local green space benefits physical health, mental well-being and provides social opportunities.

“The Greenspace Map helps identify where there is a lack of open space so local authorities, public sector partners and community groups can develop plans to develop and improve these areas.”