Scoping of Options to Develop Or Extend a Database of Greenspace Research
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SNIFFER Code: UE2b(04)GR5
Year: 2005
Project Status: Complete
Short description: In late 2004, SNIFFER commissioned Greenspace Scotland to undertake a scoping study on the development of a greenspace research database on behalf of SNIFFER and the ‘Greenspace and Quality of Life Group’ (A collaborative partnership of Greenspace Scotland, Communities Scotland, NHS Health Scotland and Scottish Natural Heritage). Greenspace Scotland sub-contracted part of this work to OPENspace, (a research centre of Edinburgh College of Art and Herriot Watt University). A questionnaire survey was used to investigate the opinions of a diverse range of stakeholders on issues in relation to a database and to explore the existence of other databases. A desk study was also undertaken to identify and appraise existing databases covering greenspace and related policy areas. The conclusion from the audit of existing databases was that there are none that cover the mix of policy areas in relation to greenspace except the ODPM (Office of the Deputy Prime Minister) commissioned database. The ODPM database, whilst comprehensive in terms of recording academic and agency commissioned research, does not cover the range of evidence sources sought by stakeholders. It is recommended that a research database is developed which complements the ODPM project and rather than attempt to incorporate the two, they should be developed as mutually supporting and parallel structures with clear linkages between the websites and search engines.
Keywords: green space, database, environment, health, policy
Lead Organisation: SNIFFER
Contact: SNIFFER (info@sniffer.org.uk)
Funding Collaborators:
Contractor(s): Greenspace Scotland
Cost of Research: Under 20k
Nature of Research: Review
Geographical relavance: United Kingdom
Primary End User:
Secondary End-users: