ABSTRACT
This chapter explores the patterns of people’s usage of their local parks and greenspaces in urban areas in England, the benefits they enjoy, and the factors and attributes of greenspace provision that encourage or discourage visits. The findings of an annual national survey in England, called the ‘Monitoring of Engagement in the Natural Environment Survey’, are analyzed by demographic and socio-economic groups to better understand social equity and patterns of use of the urban natural environment. It is important that researchers and spatial planners understand the underlying determinants of the patterns of visiting. The ecosystems services provided by urban greenspaces that benefit local communities include flood resilience and water quality, urban cooling, air quality, and noise attenuation. The chapter concludes with recommendations on the use of the findings in urban planning to increase greenspace use benefits and social and economic equitability in access and recreational opportunities, and for further research.
