Green Infrastructure Strategic Intervention, Scotland
Award type: Policy Award
Award date: 25 January 2024
Applicant: NatureScot
BwN Assessor: NatureScot
The Green Infrastructure Strategic Intervention (GISI), delivered by NatureScot between 2016 and 2023, created and improved multifunctional green infrastructure on a major scale in Scotland’s towns and cities.
The GISI is a programme of projects, part-funded through the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF). Funding was targeted at major urban areas in Scotland that have a shortage of good quality greenspace, and suffer from multiple deprivation and a surplus of vacant and derelict land. Investment Applications for funding were invited where projects could demonstrate a green infrastructure approach to helping improve people’s health and wellbeing, reduce inequalities, provide better opportunities for local communities to experience and value nature, and contribute to economic regeneration and growth by creating better places and enhance the quality of life of residents.
NatureScot was the Lead Partner for the GISI for the period to 2023, responsible for delivering the GISI through the Green Infrastructure Fund. An open and competitive selection process determined the best projects capable of delivering ‘substantial and transformative impact for deprived urban communities’ and thereby fulfilling the GISI Outcomes.
The Building with Nature Policy Award confirms that opportunities for multifunctionality have been successfully incorporated into the GISI and it has adopted a context driven approach as evidenced in the Assessment and supporting information.
As a result, it is possible to say that the GISI will, if implemented fully, deliver positive outcomes for people and wildlife. Read more for an example of successful delivery on our Queensland Court & Gardens project page.
Middlefield Greenspace and Regeneration Project © NatureScot
Transformation of a former private golf course into a new urban park at Fernbrae Meadows © NatureScot
Recovery through Green Infrastructure provision at Scottish hospitals © NatureScot