• who?
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Research

Groundwork London are currently undertaking research to find out how social housing providers manage and design their greenspaces. Much of the Government's recent work on parks and urban greenspaces has overlooked those in and around social housing. We believe there is a significant gap in the knowledge of the quantity and quality of these greenspaces, as well as how housing associations in particular manage them, and what 'value' they give with them in the delivery of their services.

Neighbourhoods Green would benefit from learning from all RSLs on their activities in this area. It is not only about the management of lawns and landscape, but also children's play, trees, designing spaces in new development, or involving residents in their local environment. We are aware that much is being done, but little has been undertaken to capture this information to benefit us as landlords. Until there is a better understanding of our policies and practices there is little we can do to implement changes a strategic level that may help to improve the design and management of these green spaces for our residents.

The research brief for this project is as follows:

1. To identify the practices and policies of green space management, design and use by social housing providers (RSLs, ALMOs, local authority housing departments) in London.


2. To provide an overall sample assessment of the above practice and policy within the sector, and identify key findings and themes.


3. To identify and analyse the key issues, constraints and opportunities that social housing providers are subject to, in the design, management and use of green spaces.


4. To identify key personnel and develop initial contacts within the sector who have an interest in or influence on green space management, design and use.


5. To provide a data-base of green space activities undertaken by social housing providers.


6. To identify the gaps in information, and further research requirements.

We are aiming to conduct interviews and questionnaires of relevant housing professionals based on this research specification. If you would be interested in participating or discussing the research in more detail, please email info@neighbourhoodsgreen.org.uk or visit the questionnaire page on this site.