Ordnance Survey: National #GetOutsideDay – where does your city rank for green space in 2023?

With National #GetOutsideDay approaching on Sunday 24 September, OS has published its latest data showing the percentage of Britain’s cities devoted to green spaces to encourage residents to go out and enjoy them.

Have you ever wondered how much green space was available in your city? Today OS revealed a 2023 ranking list for every community granted city status in England, Scotland and Wales, showing the percentage of green space in each.

Green space is defined as public parks or gardens, playing fields, play spaces, outdoor sports facilities bowling greens, cemeteries, golf courses, religious grounds, gardens allotments or community growing spaces, and tennis courts.

When green space statistics are broken down city by city as percentages, St Albans, Wakefield and Bristol top the list for the most abundant green spaces in Britain, while City Of London, Ripon and Chichester contain the least.     

Ranking list of British cities in 2023 for green space:

The ranking list was calculated using OS Open Greenspace Data from the OS Data Hub.

While the fast pace of urban life takes precedence for many of us living in cities, OS wants to use National #GetOutsideDay on Sunday 24 September as a chance to pause our hectic lives, take a breath of fresh air and connect with nature in the many green spaces our urban environments have to offer. It is encouraging people to dedicate at least one hour that day to connect with nature in their green spaces close by. Whether it’s a peaceful stroll, a family picnic, some time at the allotment, or sitting in the park and appreciating the world around you, improving our well-being is often only a stone’s throw away.

OS’s MD for Leisure, Nick Giles OBE, said: “You don’t need to travel into the wild countryside or our beautiful national parks to experience the benefits of getting outside. Many of us can’t do that at the drop of a hat, but we can get out on our doorstep to our nearest park, common or green spaces and get just as much benefit.

“Why not take a bit of time out on Sunday, September 24 to do just that?

“There are thousands of precious urban green spaces dotted all over Britain worthy of spending time in to recharge and cleanse the body and soul given the incredible benefits of being in nature  – which is what National #GetOutside Day is about.

“Scientific research has consistently shown that spending time in green spaces can reduce stress, boost mental clarity, and enhance overall physical health. Plus this gives us a great opportunity to connect with friends and families.  The OS Maps App is a great introduction for this as it contains all the greenspace in our towns and cities and is packed full of easy-to-use walking routes to follow all over the country.”

Nick added: “Nature is our greatest healer, and it’s often closer than we realize. This year we want National #GetOutsideDay to be used by people to embrace the natural beauty existing within our urban environments to help them recharge and re-engage with nature.”

Learn more about National #GetOutside Day by visiting https://getoutside.ordnancesurvey.co.uk/national-getoutside-day/  where you can share your own precious places outside on OS Maps App.

Or download the OS Maps App  for free to find out where your nearest green spaces are.