When describing Edinburgh, you simply can’t neglect its green spaces. From Calton Hill and Princes Street Gardens to the Meadows and the Botanical Gardens, Edinburgh is not short on outdoor public areas. Green spaces take up 49.2% of the city, making Edinburgh first out of the top 10 most populated UK cities in this category! These spaces are invaluable to diversifying the urban structure of our city, with the unique attribute of being placed between four hill forts- one being the iconic ancient volcano, Arthur’s Seat!
But what makes these areas so important?
In a society that has increasingly become restricted to two areas; the working world and the domestic sphere, green spaces exist as a fulfilling “third place”, where citizens can indulge in leisurely activities, socialise, or exercise. The sociologist Oldenburg argues that these third places are necessary to uphold democracy, civil society, and engagement by offering people a sense of belonging in their social environment. You will witness this process first-hand on a sunny stroll through the meadows, observing friends collecting coffee from the Uplands Roast van, sports clubs training, groups having picnics and people chatting on the benches. Therefore, these green spaces are not just pretty areas, they maintain our very social fabric!
As well as being good for our social life, green spaces are great for our minds. Studies show that people who live in greener neighborhoods report higher positive wellbeing and less mental distress. Wildlife produces feelings of relaxation, high self-esteem, and reduced loneliness. This function of the environment also lowers reliance on drugs for mental health issues, instead providing cost-free and natural resources to lower the effects of depression, anxiety, and insomnia.
However, we must acknowledge the structural differences in accessibility to green spaces. Around one in twenty-four people live more than ten minutes from their nearest park, and they are often part of working class, ethnic minority demographics. This discrepancy was starkly exposed during COVID-19, when we were forced to acknowledge the importance of outdoor interactions for our wellbeing. Green spaces shouldn’t be a privilege, but reality shows that they are. Fields in Trust, a charity advocating for outdoor sport and play, recommends a minimum of 6 acres of accessible green space (such as parks, nature reserves and playing fields) per 1,000 people. This is a future that we must strive towards through public policy and urban planning.
In a world that frequently prioritises rapid, cost-effective urban development, we should consider it special that Edinburgh prioritises human-centred communal areas. A sense of community is intrinsic to our development and welfare, and green spaces are fundamental to embracing this fact. So, next time you enjoy a stroll around Edinburgh, remind yourself of the beauty and benefits of it’s greenery!
Photograph provided by Jayni Makwana