If you’ve been reading Splodz Blogz for any length of time you will know how I like to champion getting outside in your local area. I’ve said, more than once, that there are so many places to explore from your home or work front door – even if you live or work in the middle of a town or city. And now Ordnance Survey have come to help me (and you…), by proving that there is a greenspace (or two) very close by, just waiting to be explored.
Greenspaces in Lincoln, Lincolnshire.
A new free to access map layer has been added to OS Maps online (desktop and mobile app) to inspire healthier and more active communities. In recent years there have been worrying reports linking health problems in adults and children to a lack of physical activity and time spent outdoors. OS (and I) hope that this new map layer, which features publicly accessible recreational and leisure greenspaces in urban areas in Great Britain, will encourage people and their families reconnect with nature and the outdoors, which is scientifically proven to benefit both health and wellbeing. Here are some of the key benefits of getting outside.
The map can be used for free through the map app OS Maps, available on iOS and Android as well as on the web at www.osmaps.uk/greenspace. Different types of greenspace are colour coded so they can be easily identified – public parks, play spaces, playing fields, sports grounds, golf courses and other community spaces are each marked, along with dots showing pedestrian access points so you know how to get in.
Greenspaces in Canterbury, Kent.
I use OS Maps all the time to plan my walks, road trips and other adventures. The new map layer is an excellent tool to find greenspaces and other leisure facilities in towns and cities in Great Britain. You don’t always have to travel out into rural areas and national parks to enjoy the outdoors, we all have some wonderful green spaces right on our doorsteps. And this new tool makes them so much easier to find.
There should really be no excuses why we can’t all spend OneHourOutside every day – this new map means you can find your own local greenspace and go explore even when you only have a few minutes. What are you waiting for?
I am super proud to be one of Ordnance Survey’s GetOutside Champions this year. I truly believe that spending time outdoors, in town or in the countryside, is good for our body, mind and soul. It really does make a difference.