Recognising the Need for Access to Outside Spaces

That the Parliament notes recent findings from the Office of National Statistics, using Ordnance Survey data, that 13% of households in Scotland have no access to a garden; understands that access can be more restricted for those living in places such as the city of Edinburgh, which contain highly densely populated areas; recognises that, in instances where a back garden is shared, current lockdown and physical distancing requirements can make it accessible only to one household at a time; understands that, all year round, the physical and mental health benefits of accessing outside space should be available to all, regardless of the type of home a person lives in; believes that this demonstrates the need for local parks and green spaces to be given greater priority in designing and improving communities, and commends the work of Fields in Trust, Greenspace Scotland and other groups championing the value of parks and green spaces.