During summer 2022, we completed a mapping project that involved using ArcGIS online technology to create a digital map of the NHS Fife estate to show not only where our greenspaces were but also what types of greenspaces we had. Having carried out a detailed assessment of our land, we discovered that a staggering 62% of our owned land was greenspace. We are now looking at ways we can better use this greenspace through developing health and wellbeing centred greenspace projects within the board.
we discovered that a staggering 62% of our owned land was greenspace
NHS Fife 2030 Greenspace Strategy
In May 2023 we published our NHS Fife 2030 Greenspace Strategy aims to deliver a ground breaking approach to our greenspace estate that will allow us to meet the commitments outlined in the NHS Scotland Climate Emergency and Sustainability Strategy as well as ensure that our estate delivers a number of health promotional benefits.
Our strategy is divided into 6 key themes:
- wellbeing
- nature
- food
- skills
- energy
- climate
We aim to match each parcel of our land to 1 of these 6 key themes. While our focus will always be the health and wellbeing of our patients, staff and the people of Fife, we want to contribute to positive change by increasing biodiversity, promoting local food, developing local skills, generating renewable energy and adapting to our changing climate.
Community use of our greenspace
As part of our greenspace strategy, we intend to work closely with local partners and the local fife community to see how we can work collaboratively to enhance our greenspace for the benefit of everyone in Fife.
As part of this, NHS Fife would love for community groups, community trusts, and development trusts in Fife to use some of our available greenspaces to develop their projects and help us diversify and find more beneficial uses for the land. We hope to support projects such as tree planting, the creation of wildflower meadows, and community gardens across Fife.
We hosted an online event with Fife Communities Climate Action Network (FCCAN) on Tuesday 13th February 2024. During this event, we outlined exactly what the NHS Fife greenspace strategy hopes to achieve and the range of opportunities available to communities. We also discussed funding, what project support was available as well as what would be expected from any group starting a project. Finally, we discussed what the next steps are if you are interested and want to get involved. Below are some useful links
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The estate mapping dashboard shows all of our sites and available greenspace. Feel free to use the tool to explore our sites in more detail.
- Presentation slide pack from the session for further information on how to get involved.
Get your community involved with the NHS Greenspace Strategy
If you have any further questions please contact our Sustainability Officers: kathryn.hastie@nhs.scot and yasmine.morgan@nhs.scot
