Geospatial mapping and data analysis

We believe that green spaces are good, do good and need to be protected for good. It isn't just a belief though, the evidence proving the benefits that parks and green spaces provide is increasingly robust.

At Fields in Trust we have established a track record as a leading contributor to better informed policy decisions on issues affecting parks and green spaces. From our Revaluing Parks and Green Spaces research to the annual Green Space Index, our insight covers both people and place to provide a holistic approach.

Alongside our continued research into the benefits these spaces provide, we are also working to put the data into practice and embed an evidence-led approach to protecting parks and green spaces for good. This is benefitting a wide variety of stakeholders including landowners we work with, who can use our insights to make targeted interventions which will have the greatest impact on their communities.

We have developed a model which combines our own Green Space Index data with a range of socio-demographic factors, physical and mental health data and urbanity. It was recipient of the "Data for the environment" award at the 2020 Data IQ awards, and we pair this model with our location insights to identify and prioritise those communities who have the highest need for green space provision that is protected in perpetuity.

Distribution of protected spaces and impact of their protection on local communities in Glasgow City Council

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Overall strategic need for protection of parks and green spaces based on our model in Liverpool City Council

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Comparison of provision per person and number of people in a ten-minute walk of a green space in Neath Port Talbot Council

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Our geospatial work has been recognised by leading mapping provider, Esri UK, who shortlisted our Green Space Index in their annual Customer Success Awards in 2020. Their case study showcases how we use the latest desktop and web GIS software to extract insights from our data and share these with stakeholders and the public in an informative and engaging way.

You can explore the Green Space Index through interactive web apps which present the findings for each region and nation in Britain, as well as through our Story Map which investigates how population growth will impact our parks and green spaces over the coming two decades. A presentation given by our Chief Executive, Helen Griffiths, as part of the Town and Country Planning Association's Green Cities Webinar Series 2020 demonstrates how insights such as these can then be put into practice on a local level.

Please get in touch if you would like to see further examples of our geospatial mapping and data analysis work and discuss how we could partner with you to pair our location and demographic insights with an aspiration to benefit your communities by protecting parks and green spaces for good.