The Accessible Greenspace Standard clarifies the quantity, quality and location of the green infrastructure required to meet local needs. Its focus is accessible natural green spaces for public access, providing contact with nature and contributing to nature recovery networks.

How does it work?

Standards set out size, proximity, capacity and quality of the green infrastructure needed to provide everyone with access to a variety of quality green and blue spaces close to their home. Local authorities specify the targets, taking into account local needs, opportunities and constraints, in consultation with partnerships to set a shared a vision.

A strategic approach is taken to maintaining and enhancing networks of habitats and green infrastructure, with quality greenspaces meeting the Green Flag Award criteria and best practice in accessibility for all, as defined in the ‘By All Reasonable Means’ guidance published by the Sensory Trust on behalf of Natural England.

What is the standard?

Area-wide standard:

Size and proximity criteria: Everyone has access to good quality green and blue spaces close to home for health, wellbeing and contact with nature. This should meet the size and proximity criteria set out below, with spaces accessible by public transport or safe active travel routes.

Capacity criteria: Local authorities provide at least 3 hectares of publicly accessible greenspace per 1,000 population, with no net reduction in capacity of accessible greenspace per 1,000 head of population at an areawide scale.

Quality criteria: Accessible greenspace meets the Green Flag Award criteria and best practice in accessibility for all, as defined in the ‘By All Reasonable Means’ guidance published by the Sensory Trust on behalf of Natural England.

Major development standard:

Size and proximity criteria: For all major residential developments, the local authority specifies the quantity, size and distance criteria for the provision of accessible greenspace provided or associated with the development.

Capacity criteria: All major residential development is designed to meet local capacity standards (hectares of accessible greenspace per 1,000 head of population), specified by the local planning authority.

Quality criteria: As for area-wide.