Contextual background to Woods In and Around Towns (WIAT) Longitudinal Survey 2006‐2009 August 2010
Prepared for Forestry Commission Scotland by Jenny Roe and Catharine Ward Thompson OPENspace: the research centre for inclusive access to outdoor environments
Edinburgh College of Art Lauriston Place Edinburgh EH3 9DF Tel: 0131 221 6177 [email protected] Contents
1.0 Introduction...... 2 2.0 Methods ...... 3 3.0 Contextual Data for Glasgow and Aberdeen, 2006‐2009 ...... 4 3.1 Comparing data at a city wide level using national data sources by case study area.....4 3.2 Comparing data at a local level using city specific reports and data by case study area ...... 11 4.0 Changes over time (2006‐2009) in the local social and environmental context by case study area...... 21 4.1 Drumchapel...... 21 4.2 Milton...... 23 4.3 Aberdeen...... 24 5.0 Discussion ...... 26 6.0 Limitations of the review...... 29 7.0 Conclusions...... 30 Acknowledgements ...... 30 References...... 31
1 1.0 Introduction
The report explores the social and physical context for the Woods In and Around Town (WIAT) longitudinal study carried out between the periods of 2006‐2009. It should be read in conjunction with findings from the main WIAT (2006‐2009) report, Ward Thompson et al (2010). The purpose of this report is two‐fold:
1. To compare WIAT data with other data available for our case study areas comprising two sites in Glasgow (Milton (Control site) and Drumchapel) and three in Aberdeen (Seaton, Auchmill and Woodside) in order to compare trends in the WIAT data with data for the equivalent city‐wide populations and, specifically, other areas of high deprivation.
2. To establish what changes have occurred in the social and physical environment over time at a local level that might have impacted on health and wellbeing and perceptions of the local environment: for example, physical environmental changes, changes in housing, healthy living initiatives, etc.
In presenting our findings we have focused on some key indicators of health and wellbeing, physical activity and satisfaction levels with local neighbourhood and open space. Owing to the complexity and sheer breadth of contextual data that might be gathered in each city over three years, this report provides a snapshot picture only, and includes some recommendations for where extra data sourcing might be carried out.
2 2.0 Methods
In gathering relevant data and information, three main methods were applied:
1. Sourcing and analysis of national (Scottish) data sets available publicly; 2. Sourcing and analysis of reports carried out by other institutions (e.g. Glasgow Centre for Population Studies); 3. Sourcing and liaising with people at a local level regarding changes in environment etc.
Notes:
1. Since our case study areas fall within the 15% most deprived areas of Scotland1, we have focused on sourcing comparative data in equivalent areas of high deprivation. 2. The contextual data gathered excludes the policy context specific to each city.2 3. Where similar patterns are found between WIAT data and other data sources, these are emphasized in italics in the text.
1 In the data collected the highest areas of deprivation by SIMD are sometimes referred to as ‘the bottom 15% of deprived areas’ ; for consistency with our earlier reporting on WIAT we refer to ‘the top 15%’. 2 In Glasgow, for instance, the policy context is complex and has changed in recent years, e.g. the emergence of Community Health (and Care) Partnerships (CHPS) in 2006 as a vehicle for delivery of health and social care services at a local level and changes to the performance assessment framework that have led to an increased focus on some health behaviours such as diet and exercise (NGSGGC Health and Wellbeing Survey 2008, Trends report) http://www.phru.net/rande/Health%20and%20Wellbeing%202008/Trends%20Final%20Report.pdf).
3 3.0 Contextual Data for Glasgow and Aberdeen, 2006‐2009
3.1 Comparing data at a city‐wide level using national data sources by case study area
Data sources consulted:
Scottish Household Survey (SHS) 2007/2008 including 1) Local Authority Tables for Glasgow and Aberdeen 2007/2008
Other data sources that could be consulted in future for further lifestyle data include the Scottish Recreation Survey (produced by SNH 2003:2008).
4 3.1.1 Comparing data on quality of neighbourhood (see Table 1)
Aberdeen: the fall over time in local neighbourhood satisfaction levels in the WIAT data is not reflected in patterns for Aberdeen city as a whole (SHS 07‐08), where satisfaction levels have increased over time. However, satisfaction levels are worse in the 15% most deprived areas of Aberdeen as compared to the city as a whole (16% fewer rating the area as a good place to live, 07‐08) but this is based on a very small sample size (n=69). The SHS 07‐08 reports lower satisfaction ratings for Aberdeen than for Glasgow, a pattern reflected in the WIAT data.
Glasgow: the dramatic rise in satisfaction levels across both Glasgow WIAT case study areas over time (+27% in Drumchapel) is not reflected in SHS 07‐08 which reports much more modest increases in satisfaction levels city wide over 3 years (+2%). But on rating change in the neighbourhood over last 3 years, 23% in the 15% most deprived (SIMD) areas perceived the neighbourhood has improved (SHS 08‐09).
Table 1: Comparing data on quality of neighbourhood
Data Question Aberdeen City Aberdeen Glasgow City Glasgow Source SIMD top 15% SIMD top 15%
Scottish Rating area as a increase from 79% (07‐08) Increase 78% (07‐08) Household good place to 92% (2006) to (n=69) from 83% (n=977) Survey live as 95% (2009) (2006) to 2007/2008 (very/fairly (n=943)3 85% (2009)4 good) WIAT 2006‐ (A1) Satisfaction ‐ Decrease from ‐ Milton 2009 with quality of 67% (2006) to 70% (2006), life in 60% (2009). 89% (2009) neighbourhood (n=118) Drumchapel (very satisfied 61% (2006), /satisfied) 88% (2009) Scottish Rating ‐ 15.9% (07‐08) ‐ 23.3% (07‐08) Household neighbourhood, (n=69) (n=946) Survey same or worse 2007/2008 over last 3 years (much/a little better)
3 Trend reported in Local Authority Tables 2007/2008. The tables include some comparable data (on some variables only) from 1999 onwards for each city location. 4 Trend reported in Local Authority Tables 2007/2008
5 3.1.2 Comparing data on self‐reported general health (See Table 2)
Aberdeen: self reported general health in the WIAT sample is substantially lower than that reported in equivalent 15% most deprived parts of Aberdeen (30% fewer reporting ‘very good/ good health’ in comparison to Scottish Health Survey 2008) and much lower than the city wide average (40% fewer when compared to SHS 07‐08).
Glasgow: the general health of our WIAT sample seems to match self reported general health in the 15% most deprived parts of Glasgow (Scottish Health Survey 08) although the scores are lower for Drumchapel.
Table 2: Comparing data on self‐reported general health Data Source Question Aberdeen Aberdeen Glasgow City Glasgow City SIMD top SIMD top 15% 15% Scottish State of n=908 n=81 n=2490 n=1199 Household respondents health 85% 72.8% 79.1% 73.3% Survey over past 12 months 2007/2008 rated good/ fairly (07‐08) (07‐08) (07‐08) (07‐08) good Scottish General health n=57 n=943 Health Survey rated very 75.4% 64.1% 2008 good/good (2008) (2008)
WIAT 2006‐ General health 45% Milton 2009 rated very 64% (2009) good/good Drumchapel 61% (2009)
6 3.1.3 Comparing data on physical activity (see Table 3)
Aberdeen: Our WIAT sample is exercising c. 10% less (in 8‐14 days/month category) than samples from 15% most deprived areas in Aberdeen.
Glasgow: Similarly our WIAT sample is exercising less (c. 19% less) than samples for Glasgow within the 15% most deprived areas in Glasgow (in the 8‐14 days/month category); it is exceptionally low in Milton, with only 0.9% exercising (8‐14 days/month category) compared to an average of c. 20% city wide. Physical activity in Drumchapel is closer to the city‐wide average.
Table 3: Comparing data on physical activity Data Source Question Aberdeen Glasgow SIMD top SIMD top 15% 15% Scottish Days in last 4 weeks did n=94 n=964 Household at least one sporting 19.5% 22% Survey activity (07‐08) (07‐08) 2007/2008 (8‐14 day category) Scottish How many days of 10 n=57 n=943 Health minute walks in last 4 22% (08) 20% (08) Survey weeks (8‐14 day category) WIAT 2006‐ Days in last 4 weeks PA 9% Milton 2009 sufficient to increase (2009) 0.9% (09) breath rate (8‐14 day category) Drumchapel 16.4% (09)
7 3.1.4 Comparing data on quality of life (see Table 4)
Aberdeen: Quality of life in our WIAT sample (2009) closely matches that reported in the Scottish Health Survey 2008.
Glasgow: Quality of life in our two case study sites is considerably higher (c.28%) than the average for Glasgow city (15% most deprived areas). This is surprising.
Table 4: Comparing data on quality of life Data Source Question Aberdeen Glasgow SIMD top SIMD top 15% 15% Scottish How satisfied are n=57 n=943 Health Survey you with life as a 73.9% 60.8% 2008 whole nowadays? (08) (categories 7‐10 (10 indicating extremely satisfied)) WIAT 2009 All things 70% Milton considered, how (09) 88% (09) satisfied are you with life as a whole Drumchapel nowadays? 89% (09) (Very satisfied/satisfied)
8 3.1.5 Comparing data on quality of green space (see Table 5)
It is difficult to compare the data on quality of green space directly, since the national surveys ask about parks/open space and the WIAT survey asks specifically about quality of woods (C1) and the physical environment in general (A3), bute th satisfaction ratings on open space and for WIAT data are fairly similar in Aberdeen (15% most deprived) over a similar time period (2008‐2009), although slightly lower for the WIAT sites. In Glasgow, satisfaction ratings in Milton (WIAT data) for 2009 (54%) are close to the 15% most deprivedr fo Glasgow (59%, 2007‐08). However, they are higher in WIAT Drumchapel (+11%, 2009) than the average for 15% most deprived in Glasgow and show a considerable improvement over the 33% satisfaction for WIAT Drumchapel in 2006. It is possible the local woodlands in Drumchapel are contributing to higher levels of satisfaction here.
Table 5: Comparing data on quality of green space Data Source Question Aberdeen Glasgow SIMD top SIMD top 15% 15% Scottish Satisfaction with n=94 n=943 Household council run parks 66% 59% Survey (2007‐ and open spaces 2008) (very or fairly (07‐08) (07‐08) satisfied) WIAT 2006‐ Satisfaction with 59% (06) Milton 2009 quality of physical 51% (09) 41% (06) environment in the neighbourhood 54% (09) (very or satisfied) Drumchapel 33% (2006) 70% (2009)
9 3.1.6 Comparing data on frequency of use of green space (see Table 6)
Aberdeen: use in summer in WIAT case study areas is higher (+11%) than the average for the 15% most deprived areas in the city (SHS 07‐08). This is a promising indicator suggesting the local woods might be making a contribution to use patterns in Seaton, Auchmill and Woodside.
Glasgow: use in summer is much higher in Drumchapel (+25%) than that reported in SHS 07‐09; in Milton use patterns are closer to the averages for the 15% most deprived areas of Glasgow.
It is difficult to compare the data exactly since the SHS (07‐08) does not split use patterns seasonally by summer and winter (as is the case for WIAT).
Table 6: Comparing data on frequency of use of green space Data Source Question Aberdeen Glasgow SIMD top SIMD top 15% 15% Scottish How frequently do n=94 n=1367 Household you use parks and 10.6% 18.8% Survey (2007‐ open space? (once a 2008) week category) (07‐08) (07‐08) Season not specified WIAT 2006‐ How frequently do 11% Winter Milton (09) 2009 you visits woodlands 22% Summer 19% Winter in winter (E4) and Summer (E5)? (09) 25% Summer (once a week Drumchapel category) (09) 9% Winter 44% Summer
10 3.2 Comparing data at a local level using city specific reports and data by case study area
3.2.1 Drumchapel
Data sources consulted:
Go Well survey 2006 and 20085 (n=c.7000, Drumchapel c.700) NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde (NHSGGC) Health and Wellbeing Survey 2008 for Glasgow West (includes Drumchapel) http://www.phru.net/rande/Web%20Pages/Health%20and%20Wellbeing.aspx
Note: it is not possible to separate specific data for Drumchapel (or Milton) from the NHSGGC 2008 survey. Since the GoWell survey (2006‐2008) provides a better comparison of longitudinal change in Drumchapel on our selection of indicators we have not widely consulted the Glasgow West report in this section, but report some trends across Glasgow as a whole in Section 3.2.3.
The Go Well Survey (2006 ‐2008) is a longitudinal research study investigating housing improvement and neighbourhood transformation in Glasgow, with a particular focus on the impact on health and wellbeing. There are 15 GoWell communities across Glasgow in five types of areas including areas targeted for regeneration. Drumchapel falls under the category of ‘peripheral estates’6. Data has been collected on a range of wellbeing and health indicators in Drumchapel for 2006 (n=694) and 2008 (n=476). Data for comparable indicators across the two surveys is shown in Table 7 below.
Summary of findings
The trend in the Drumchapel data over time ‐ in both WIAT and GoWell ‐ is similar for ratings of satisfaction with green space (very good/good): in both data sets, ratings are higher in 2009 than in 2006. The trend is reversed on ratings of satisfaction with the neighbourhood, with an upward trend indicated in the WIAT sample, and a very slight fall in satisfaction levels in the GoWell sample. Elsewhere it is difficult to compare trends owing to lack of comparable data in the earlier (2006) WIAT sample, for example, on health and wellbeing indicators.
5 GoWell (2010), Progress for People and Places: Monitoring change in Glasgow’s communities. Evidence from the GoWell Surveys 2006 and 2008. Glasgow Centre for Population Health. Additional data specific to Drumchapel: GoWell Winter 09 Drumchapel Newsletter and West Community Planning Partnership Board Meeting, 21 January 2010, presentation by Prof. Carol Tannahill , Glasgow Centre for Population Health. 6 Peripheral Estates (Drumchapel and Castlemilk): Large‐scale housing estates on the city boundary where incremental changes are taking place, particularly in terms of housing. There is a shift taking place from being almost entirely social rented to a greater number of owner occupied housing. Private housing development and Glasgow Housing Association) (GHA improvement works have take place on estates in these areas (GoWell 2010).
11
General trends: The general health of those people rating their health as ‘very good/good’ in the WIAT sample is 14% lower than that for the GoWell sample. Physical activity (walking) would appear to be higher (across the days/week category) in the WIAT sample (although the questions are not directly comparable). The samples are similar on ratings of place belonging.
Note: reviewing change across the 15 GoWell areas over time (06‐08)7 it is reported (GoWell 2010) that positive perception of neighbourhood change is particularly significant in the PEs (i.e Drumchapel and Castlemilk) where the proportion of residents who thought their area had got better as a place to live doubled. For a range of mental wellbeing indicators (SF‐12, WEMWBS) the general report indicates little change over time in the PE’s (no direct comparable mental health indicator in the WIAT data).
7 GoWell (2010), Progress for People and Places: Monitoring change in Glasgow’s communities. Evidence from the GoWell Surveys 2006 and 2008. Glasgow Centre for Population Health
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Table 7: Comparing data for Drumchapel (GoWell 2006‐2008) with WIAT (2006‐2009) Source: Glasgow Centre for Population Health (GoWell Winter 09 Drumchapel Newsletter and West Community Planning Partnership Board Meeting Powerpoint); WIAT Longitudinal Survey 2006‐2010 Question Data Source Drumchapel Drumchapel Trend in the Data 2006 2008 or 2009 Positive +ve Negative ‐ve Self‐reported GoWell 2006‐2008 75% 72% ‐ve (marginal) general health excellent, very good or good WIAT 2006‐2009 ‐ 61% Very good/good Satisfaction GoWell 2006‐2008 78% 76% ‐ve (marginal) with Satisfaction with neighbourhood neighbourhood (very/fairly satisfied) WIAT 2006‐2009 61% 88% +ve Satisfaction with quality of life in neigbhourhood (very satisfied/satisfied) Satisfaction GoWell 2006‐2008 41% 60% +ve with open Satisfaction with parks and space open spaces (very/fairly good) WIAT 2006‐2009 6% 48% +ve (highly) Satisfaction with quality of local woods (very good/good) Place belonging GoWell 2006‐2008 I feel I 87% 82% ‐ve belong to this neighbourhood (A great deal, a fair amount) WIAT 2006‐2009 I feel I ‐ 88% ‐ belong to this neighbourhood (A great deal, a fair amount) Physical GoWell 2006‐2008 Walked ‐ 70.5% ‐ Activity for at least 10 minutes at a time? 1‐7 Days/week WIAT 2006‐2009 How much 86% (7%) 52% (35%) +ve time spent on PA outdoors including walking? 1‐5 (6‐21) hours/week
13 3.2.2 Milton
Data sourced: NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde (NHSGGC) Health and Wellbeing Survey 2008 for Glasgow North (includes Milton) http://www.phru.net/rande/Web%20Pages/Health%20and%20Wellbeing.aspx
Comparing data for Glasgow North (including Milton) 2008 with WIAT 2009 (see Table 8)
The Milton WIAT data (09) is similar to data for Glasgow North (08) on aspects of quality of life and neighbourhood satisfaction, but general health is worse (‐7%). It is difficult to read any conclusions from the physical activity data since the questions are worded differently, but the fact that only 14% of WIAT Milton sample (09) are walking more than 6 hours/week indicates physical activity patterns are low, reflected in the low percentage of people meeting specified weekly targets for physical activity in Glasgow North generally.
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Table 8 Comparing data for Glasgow North (including Milton) 2008 with WIAT 2009 Question Survey NHS GGC Health WIAT 2009 NHS GGC % difference and Wellbeing Milton Health and for Glasgow 2008 Wellbeing North v Glasgow North 2008 Milton data n=601 Glasgow City Self‐reported 71% (Q1) 64% (QB3) (very ‐ ‐7% WIAT general health (excellent/good) good/good) Quality of life 85% (Q53a) 88% (QB5) ‐ +3% WIAT positive (very perceptions satisfied/satisfied) Local area as a 75% (Q554) 74% (QA2) 81% ‐1% WIAT place to live Positive Recommend a perceptions friend to live Trust 62% 87% 51% +25% WIAT positive Trust for people in perceptions8 neighbourhood (most/some) (QB7) I feel I belong to 73% 95% 67% +22% WIAT the local area (strongly agree/agree) Physical activity Meeting specified Time spent on PA Meeting NA over a week target of PA per outdoors including specified week 9 walking per week? target of PA per week 26% 59% 1 to 5 hours/week; 14% 6 39% hours+/week
8 items 1‐3 on smiley face rating 1 to 7 9 30+ mins moderate activity 5 times per week (2.5 hours/week) or 20 mins+ vigorous activity 3 times per week (1 hour/week)
15 3.2.3 NHSGCC 2008 Some Trends In Health and Wellbeing across Greater Glasgow and Clyde10
(1) Physical Activity (PA): across Greater Glasgow and Clyde as a whole, PA (2008 Headline Findings) was lowest in Glasgow North (including Milton) than in any other Glasgow area. So it would seem the WIAT Milton data on PA is reflective of wider Glasgow trends for Glasgow North. PA is higher in Glasgow West (including Drumchapel at 39% (+12%)). Interestingly, across the city over time, the percentage of respondents that meet the current recommendations for physical activity has dropped between 2005 and 2008 (by 22%), so our WIAT sample in Drumchapel appear to have definitely bucked this trend.
Across eth city as a whole11, physical activity patterns have dropped significantly over 2005 to 2008 by ‐27.7% in the 15% most deprived (SIMD) areas and by ‐16% in the sample as a whole. Again, this would appear to show our WIAT Drumchapel sample is behaving differently, and that WIAT interventions (along with others) are contributing to the difference in reported levels of physical activity.
(2) General Wellbeing: Across the same time period as the WIAT study (2006‐2008), self‐reported perceptions of health have significantly increased by +6.1% in the 15% most deprived (SIMD) areas of Glasgow, compared to +3.4% across the city wide. Quality of life has also significantly increased in the 15% most deprived areas by +3.8% compared to +2.2% in the total sample city‐wide. This is reflected in our WIAT sample.
(3) Satisfaction with neighbourhood: over time this has increased in Glasgow as a whole. Again, the % increase is higher in the 15% most deprived areas (+3.9%) compared to the sample as a whole, city‐wide (+2.4%), reflecting an upward trend also found in the WIAT data.
10 NHSGGC Headline Findings 1008 http://www.phru.net/rande/Health%20and%20Wellbeing%202008/Headline%20findings%20report%20Dec%2009. pdf 11 NHSGGC Trends Report 2008 http://www.phru.net/rande/Health%20and%20Wellbeing%202008/Trends%20Final%20Report.pdf)
16 3.2.4 Aberdeen
There is no comparative health or lifestyle data for Grampian or Aberdeen City, for the period 2006‐2009. The last Grampian Health Lifestyle Study was carried out in adults in 2001/2002. More recently, the survey was carried out in young people (in secondary schools) and young adults (18‐25) 2006/7. (We could use it to compare findings with our 2007 school survey if of interest).
Traffic light health profiles for 2009 are available for Aberdeen, which provide a colour‐ coded picture of the health status in our case study areas12, and are designed to help identify health issues that may need to be addressed. These profiles present a range of indicators ‐ e.g. early deaths from cancer, self‐reported general health ‐ by Community Health Partnerships (CHP) and Intermediate Zones (IZ) (aggregations of data zones containing between 2500 and 6000 people). The Traffic Lights take each indicator value for an IZ, and CHP, and compare it to the Scotland average. A colour code is assigned as follows for the health indicators as follows:
Red ‐ more than 5% worse than Scotland average Green – more than 5% better than Scotland average Amber – within + or – 5% of Scotland average
Results for self‐reported general health for Aberdeen case study areas (IZ Health profiles 2009).
Health statistics for Auchmill fall across the traffic colour coded spectrum, with the self‐reported health indicator coded as amber (within Scottish average). Seaton’s health statistics are very poor with the self‐reported health indicator coded in red (and all other health indicators in red) The health pattern is similar in Woodside with the self‐reported health indicator and most other health indicators in red.
Comparing above health data with WIAT Aberdeen health data (2009)
Physical health and mental and social wellbeing indicators in our WIAT Aberdeen sample showed evidence of much poorer overall health and wellbeing than for our two other case study areas. Results also indicated, over time, that physical activity levels had deteriorated. The poor health statistics found in our Aberdeen case study areas are corroborated by the Traffic Light health profiles for 2009. What we are unable to confirm, at this state, is if this pattern has deteriorated over time.
12 Auchmill falls in Northfield (IZ031) and Bucksburn South (IZ039), Woodside (IZ038) and Seaton (IZ032)
17 3.2.5 Perceptions and use of open space by case study area
(1) Drumchapel
Data Source: GoWell Study outcomes for PEs (Drumchapel and Castlemilk)
The percentage of residents rating parks and play areas as good was higher in 2008 than in 2006 in all area types (percentage change since 2006 +18% for PEs) reflected in our WIAT sample. Resident ratings of the appearance of the local environment and buildings have deteriorated by 1% to 2% in the PEs over 2006‐2009.
(2) Milton (see Table 9)
Data source: Milton Green Network Project (MGNP) Household Questionnaire 2009, n=134. The Milton Green survey was a short questionnaire (8 questions) sent to every house in Milton administered in 2009. It did not ask about frequency of use. The most well used space reported in the Milton Green survey is Liddesdale Square (14% of respondents); the spaces audited for the WIAT survey ‐ Fossil Loch and Milton Park – appear to be very poorly used (c. 2% and c. 7% respectively).
There is a good degree of consistency between both surveys: it seems people in Milton are mostly using the local open spaces for walking, and safety and vandalism are the main barriers to use (although, it should be noted, the Milton Green survey is sample biased towards females and older people, in whose responses prevalence of safety problems are typically higher). However given the consistencies, we could assume our WIAT data is reflective of the wider population in Milton.
Of interest is the fact ethat th MGNP survey sheds no light on what types of open space WIAT respondents might be referring to as ‘local woodland’; much of the open space in Milton is open ground around high‐rise flats, or school playing fields ‐ none of it would appear to constitute ‘woodland’. When asked what other open spaces people visit outside of Milton, the highest percentage response in the MG survey was for visits to Springburn Park but levels of reported visiting were not high (10% of sample).
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Table 9: Comparing data on perceptions and use of open Space in Milton Source: Milton Green Network Project 2009 and WIAT 2006‐2009 Question Response Survey Milton Green WIAT Milton 2009 2006‐ n=134 2009 What would Better paths 53% 46% (2006) encourage you to 54% (2009) use open more? Reasons for visiting Dog walking 24% 6% (2006, 2009) Going for a 43% 75% (2006) walk 81% (2009) Barriers to visiting Safety 47% 79% (2006) 81% (2009) Reported they would use woodlands more if made safer. Dog mess, 40% 78% (2009) Rubbish 37% 58% (2006) Reported they would use woodland more if less vandalism. Things most liked Natural 19% 52% (2006) about open space appearance 53% (2009) reported liking natural appearance of local woodlands
19 (3) Aberdeen
Data source: Aberdeen Green Space Audit 2010, Community consultation 2009, n=125
The community survey was carried out across 13 wards city‐wide but the numbers from any one ward are small (9 for Tillydrone/Seaton/Old Aberdeen). It is not possible, therefore, to confirm findings from our WIAT data but the survey does provide a snapshot of satisfaction with open space as a whole across the city. 60% of respondents were satisfied with the city’s public parks and gardens (good or excellent) and 51% of respondents were satisfied with ‘natural or semi natural green space or woodland’ (good or excellent). The professional audits for green space in one of our wards ‐ Tillydrone/Seaton/Old Aberdeen (in which Woodside and Seaton fall) ‐ scored highly on parks (attributed to the presence of Seaton Park) (20/25). Woodland in this ward scored lower (17/25). Auchmill falls over two wards (Northfield and Bucksburn) and the data is more difficult to extract here. Generally the survey doesn’t allow us to glean much specific information for our case study areas, owing to very small sample numbers in these areas.
20 4.0 Changes over time (2006‐2009) in the local social and environmental context by case study area
The next section describes changes in the local community over time (2006‐2009) which could affect health and wellbeing outcomes including:
healthy living initiatives changes in community services and social support physical environmental improvements outside of the WIAT improvement areas changes in housing (tenure patterns, housing improvements etc)
It documents findings from telephone discussions and email correspondence with key service providers in our case study areas over the period 2006‐2009. 4.1 Drumchapel
Sources:
Kenny McDonald (KM), Drumchapel Centre for Healthy Living Christine Tait (CT) Health Improvement Practitioner, Health Improvement and Inequalities Team, West CHCP GoWell Study: contextual data 2006‐2008
Other suggested sources (which time has not permitted us to explore): David Gibson, GCC Culture and Heritage; Jean McKinnon, Cernach Housing Association; James McMahon, Glasgow Greenspace (biodiversity).
4.1.2 General Overview
Drumchapel has undergone massive regeneration in the last decade which may account for the fact that it has higher neighbourhood satisfaction levels than the averages for the 15% most deprived parts of Glasgow. A key driver in health and wellbeing has been the creation of a Social Inclusion Partnership (SIP) (2002 onwards) including the Drumchapel LIFE (a healthy living centre), Glasgow City Council and Leg it Around Drumchapel. This network has worked to shift perceptions of the local environment, improve physical activity and health, and promote the local woodlands as recreational facility. Forestry Commission (FC) staff are perceived to be a key driver in facilitating better access to the woods for recreation (including the promotion of Forest School and an annual Active Woods event).
21 There has been a big drive to improve physical activity in the area (although it was reported that Drumchapel has much higher levels of physical activity than other areas of Glasgow13) including: School based sport and physical activity programmes Outdoor activity and education programmes, including Forest School Walking groups, including heritage trails. Annual Drumchapel 5k race
The new sports centre (opened c. 2006) is reported to be not very well used by Drumchapel residents (CT); similarly, theree ar some negative perceptions about the location of the new community centre, reported to be inappropriately located on the edge of Drumchapel.
4.1.2 Environmental improvements
New build houses and associated environment are described as having a more ‘village‐like’ character. This may have impacted on feelings of belonging and trust in the neighbourhood. Large investment by GCC, Drumchapel Social Inclusion Partnership, Drumchapel Environment Trust, Community Planning Partnership and Green Workmates, established to improve the woodlands14
4.1.2 Changes in housing
“On‐going vast improvements to the standard and quality of local housing have had a big impact on people feeling better in the area” KM, Drumchapel LIFE
Glasgow Housing Association (GHA) have substantially invested in housing improvements in PEs 2006 to 2009 (especially in low rise fabric, c £30 million) with 272 homes demolished in Drumchapel by GHA between 2006‐2008 (GoWell 2010). Other patterns in housing:
Small Rise in PEs in socially rented housing from +1.1% from 77.8% in 2006 to 78.9% in 2009 (GoWell 1010) PEs, especially Drumchapel, have experienced a reduction in the proportion of owner‐occupied homes but extensive new build programmes are underway, which will result in the construction of many new private sector homes (effect should be felt by 2011). However, these programmes have not boosted owner
13 KM, reasons being low levels of car ownership, people walking to use public transport and shops, etc 14 Green Workmates was established by two local brothers to improve the local woodlands, supported by FC (Jo Thompson), GCC, Drumchapel Opportunities and others.
22 occupancy rates in either area during the two‐year period considered here (GoWell 2010). A third of people in PEs do not have a garden to use (GoWell 2010)15
4.1.3 Other social and community factors
Higher reported employment rates were found among men in 2008 when compared with 2006. In Drumchapel, 50% of men of a working age are not in work (GoWell 2010) and a significant numbers of children and young people are growing up in third or fourth generation workless families. There has been a substantial drop in perceptions of the levels of social support available in the PEs (GoWell).
Other factors affecting perceptions include increased policing, particularly community policing, school renewal programme, and housing agencies taking on ‘wider action’ roles, to not only provide and improve homes, but also provide wider physical benefits to the community (KM).
4.2 Milton
Sources: John Thompson, Health Improvement Lead, North Glasgow Community Health and Care Partnership
Other contacts: Jean Stevenson, Planning Officer, North Glasgow Lesley Ross, Glasgow North Regeneration Agency Arlene Coyle, North Glasgow Healthy Living Community
Healthy living initiatives in Milton over the period 2006‐2009 have included:
a food project coordinated via Anniseland College; two walking groups, one operating in Milton itself (poorly attended) and one from neighbouring Lambhill Stables (better attended) which people from Milton also attend; Keep Well programme (from 2006), across Glasgow North with a GP practice in Milton that offers health checks to patients 45‐64 years of age and referral services for money advice, employability, physical activity, etc.
15 This suggests open space and woodlands are important to maintain and develop for recreation and health
23 Other than the above, we found little evidence of major social or environmental improvements in Milton. It seems the WIAT control site has stayed fairly static over the period 2006‐2009. 4.3 Aberdeen Sources: Rachel Sharp, Senior Planner Philippa Mason, City Voice (Citizens Panel) http://www.communityplanningaberdeen.org.uk/Internet/CityVoice/ACVArchive. asp
4.3.1 Auchmill (contact Elaine Sinclair, Neighbourhood Planning Officer)
There is no single pointer that can be attributed to a fall off in physical activity levels over time. Auchmill Community Woodland (within two wards, Northfield and Bucksburn) sits on the doorstep of Northfield and Heathryfold, two very deprived neighbourhoods. In Northfield, the area around Cummings Park has experienced a marked increase in deprivation rankings for Health and Income since the 2006 SIMD. Over time, health has generally declined across these areas.
Several factors may be contributing to the lack of use of open space for walking etc.
1) Poor quality of green space and poor access . 2) Deliberate fire‐raising in Auchmill Community Woodland, higher levels than elsewhere in the city (owing apparently to the concealed location etc.) 3) Several attacks in Heathryfield Park in broad daylight, so fear for personal safety has increased in recent years. 4) Housing stock was mostly designed for the 1960s without the volume of traffic today, so parking is problematic. The lack of parking means cars park on open space and this may be having an impact on access.
4.3.2 Seaton (Contact: Alona Murray, Principal Community Learning Worker)
There appears to be nothing locally that can explain the fall off in physical activity or reduced use of open space over time. Seaton Park has always been a ‘no‐go’ area at night. No noticeable changes socially or environmentally over time, other than the closure of the local academy (secondary school) which was a big focus for the community and may have affected social wellbeing.
4.3.3 Woodside (Contact: Mark Lovey, Community Worker, Woodside)
24 No noticeable changes socially or environmentally over time, e.g. no changes in housing (tenure/new build) over time. There has been a slight increase in crime, but this is restricted to small pockets of Woodside.
4.4 Summary of local contextual changes
In Drumchapel, there have been a number of local initiatives ttha have contributed to regeneration, raised neighbourhood satisfaction levels and increased physical activity over time and – owing to the impact of initiatives such as Green Mates ‐ have significantly raised the profile of the local woodlands. This is also an area that has undergone significant investment in housing over 2006‐2009. However, the effect of new build, private ownership homes has yet to be felt (GoWell 2010).
In Milton, there does not appear to be anything very significant in the way of local healthy living initiatives that might help explain increases in physical activity over time or changes in perceptions of the environment.
In Aberdeen, there are several possible factors in Auchmill may have contributed to poorer use of woodlands for recreation over time, including fire raising in Auchmill Community Woodland and an increased fears for personal safety. In Seaton and Woodside, the environmental and social context appears to have remained fairly stable; both these wards are distinguishable amongst Aberdeen City as a whole for their poor health statistics.
25 5.0 Discussion
5.1 Aberdeen
The challenge in interpreting results from our WIAT Aberdeen data was to understand why results had worsened over time (e.g. poorer results over time in physical activity and perceptions/use of woodlands). It is evident, from the Traffic Light health profiles (2009) that our three case study areas (Auchmill, Woodside and Seaton) have poorer health statistics when compared to other areas in Aberdeen. There are extremes of good and poor health statistics across the city, so comparing WIAT data with city‐wide data is not particularly helpful in explaining patterns in our case study areas, and, where data is available, it is based on very small sample numbers. Generally, our review points to a need for better understanding of health, lifestyle and recreational habits in these pockets of high deprivation. With evidence of increasing deprivation in some pockets (Northfield) there is some urgency over the need to find ways to reverse these patterns.
At a local level, there appears to be little evidence of change in Woodside and Seaton over time, but increases in vandalism and fears for personal safety over time may explain worsening woodland usage patterns in Auchmill.
See also outcomes on frequency of use (section 5.2.2 (2) below)
5.2 Glasgow
5.2.1 Similarities across data sets:
(1) Satisfaction with local neighbourhood: across Glasgow generally, ratings on neighbourhood satisfaction have risen, reflecting the findings from WIAT. For example, on rating change in the neighbourhood over last 3 years, 23% in the 15% most deprived (SIMD) areas perceived that the neighbourhood has improved (SHS 08‐09). However, on the variable ‘satisfaction with the local neighbourhood’, the rise is more substantial in the WIAT case study sites when compared to Glasgow (+27% in Drumchapel , +10% in Milton as compared to just +3.9% over a similar time period in high areas of deprivation in Glasgow% (15 most deprived, SIMD).
(2) General health: self‐reported ratings of general health for the WIAT sample matches health ratings in the 15% most deprived parts of Glasgow (Scottish Health Survey 08), although scores are lower for Drumchapel.
26 5.2.2 Differences in variables between data sets:
(1) Quality of life in our two Glasgow case study sites is considerably higher (c.28%) than the average for Glasgow city (15% most deprived areas). However, the general pattern in the 15% most deprived areas is in an upward direction (an increase of +3.8% in ratings of quality of life compared to +2.2% in the total sample city wide), reflecting the trend in our WIAT sample.
(2) Frequency of use of open space: patterns in Drumchapel (and also in Aberdeen) buck the trend for city outcomes as whole; reported usage is higher in summer for Drumchapel (44% in ‘several times a week’ category, compared to 18.8% for Glasgow (15% most deprived areas), and higher also in Aberdeen ( 22% reporting use ‘once a week’ compared to Aberdeen 15% most deprived areas (10.6%)). We could speculate, on the basis of these results, that the proximity of woods in Drumchapel and Aberdeen case study areas is making an impact of frequency of use, since it is above the average for the respective city‐wide contexts.
5.2.3 Drumchapel
(1) Satisfaction with neighbourhood: consistent findings with other data sets; the proportion of residents reporting their area had got better as a place to live had doubled in the PEs (i.e Drumchapel and Castlemilk) (GoWell 2010) 16 and satisfaction levels were up +27% in the WIAT Drumchapel sample over time. (2) Satisfaction with green space: consistent findings with other data for ratings of satisfaction with green space, with higher ratings over time in both GoWell (2008) and WIAT (2009). The percentage of residents rating parks and play areas as good was also higher in 2008 than in 2006 (GoWell 2010). (3) Social wellbeing: data were similar on ratings of place belonging (GoWell 2010 and WIAT 2006‐2009) (4) Physical activity in Drumchapel is closer to the city wide average but the questions are not exactly the same. Interestingly, across the city over time, the percentage of respondents that meet the current recommendations for physical activity has dropped between 2005 and 2008 (by 22%), so the WIAT Drumchapel sample has bucked this trend (+15% in ‘6‐10 hours/week’ category)
5.2.4 Milton: appears to follow the trends for Glasgow (15% most deprived) and more so than Drumchapel:
(1) Use of open space: patterns are closer to the averages for the city. (2) Quality of life: consistency in data on aspects of quality of life and neighbourhood satisfaction.
16 GoWell (2010), Progress for People and Places: Monitoring change in Glasgow’s communities. Evidence from the GoWell Surveys 2006 and 2008. Glasgow Centre for Population Health
27 (3) Physical activity data shows similar trends. (4) Patterns of use/barriers to open space are similar with other data
BUT
(5) Self‐reported general health in Milton is worse than for other areas of deprivation in Glasgow. (6) Sense of trust and sense of place belonging is much higher in Milton.
In our contextual analysis of Milton over time, we could not find explanations for the increased ratings on ‘satisfaction with local physical environment ‘ or for positive changes in use patterns of town woodlands, or increased frequency of usage of woods in winter. Further data gathering may be required here to explain these findings.
Overall, in Glasgow, we found more consistencies than inconsistencies with other data sources, suggesting that outcomes for WIAT Glasgow (2006‐2009) do reflect trends in the same – or equivalent ‐ areas of deprivation, but do not negate the possibility that WIAT interventions have contributed toe som changes in outcome. Owing to a lack of health and lifestyle data in Aberdeen it is difficult to make any conclusive statements in relation to WIAT outcomes.
28 6.0 Limitations of the review
Tracking changes in the local context in each case study area is a challenge and, owing to the sheer breadth of changes over time ‐ particularly the regeneration context in Glasgow since 2006 – this review can only provide a brief overview of the context over time.
We found very little comparative longitudinal data indicating changes over time (2006‐ 2009), with the exception of the Glasgow GoWell study (2010), which tracks changes in health and wellbeing and in environmental perceptions in Drumchapel (as part of a PE area) over a similar time period (2006‐2008). This data source may be useful in future since it will continue to track changes in Drumchapel over time (although the data is combined with Castlemilk). Some trends in health and wellbeing over time are also flagged in the 2008 NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde health and wellbeing survey. We could establish further trends in health and lifestyle over time by exploring earlier data sets for the Scottish Household Survey, Scottish Health Survey, etc., but this would require more time and resources.
Some of the questions in the surveys are not directly comparable to those in our WIAT survey – although just about all surveys reported on self‐perceived general health – so, in some instances our selection of indicators is not identical but the closest alternative comparator. This is particularly evident for physical activity questions, where we found a fairly wide range of indicators being used. Some streamlining, therefore, across Scottish surveys and particularly in relation to physical activity, would be helpful in the future.
Whilst the Traffic Light health profiles for Aberdeen are helpful in comparing health for data zones to national baselines, there appears to be a lack of recent, detailed data on health, wellbeing and lifestyles for Aberdeen and where it exists (e.g. Scottish Household Survey 2007‐208) the numbers (for top 15% deprivation) are very small (circa 60). More data gathering and analysis in this field is probably needed to help better target social and recreational policy in Aberdeen.
29 7.0 Conclusions
Patterns in our Glasgow case study areas generally reflect findings from other data sources and the pattern over time in Drumchapel on many of our indicators reflects longitudinal trends in GoWell (2010). Our control site, Milton, would appear to have remained fairly stable over time with no major regeneration or healthy living initiatives that might have affected outcomes. In Drumchapel, physical activity levels have increased in the WIAT site, despite a general decline in physical activity levels across Glasgow and the 15% most deprived parts of Glasgow in the same period (NHSGCC 2008). Satisfaction with the local neighbourhood has increased in rou WIAT site to a greater degree than in Drumchapel as a whole over the same period (GoWell, 2010). It would seem, therefore, that WIAT initiatives have played a contributory role – together with other healthy living and environmental improvements (e.g. new housing) ‐ in raising physical activity levels and levels of satisfaction with local neighbourhood. The proximity of woods in Drumchapel and Aberdeen case study areas may have an impact on frequency of open space use since, in both WIAT sites, it is above the average for the 15% most deprived areas, city‐wide, in each case.
In future, we would recommend tracking changes at a local level over time, within a case study area, as the longitudinal study proceeds, since key personnel who may keep records of such things tend to move on. This is less important when comparing national data sources since national surveys tend to become available a year or so after the data collection period. However, when designing future questionnaires, it would be advisable to check on health and environmental indicators being used in comparable surveys.
Acknowledgements (in addition to those cited in main text)
Lorna Aucott, Section Of Population Health, University of Aberdeen; Alison Avenell, University of Aberdeen, Ally Corbett, Glasgow & Clyde Valley Green Network Partnership; Anne Ellaway, MRC Social and Public Health Sciences Unit, University of Glasgow; Alana Gilbert, Socio‐Economics Group, Macaulay Institute; Max Hislop, Glasgow & Clyde Valley Green Network Partnership; Russell Jones, Glasgow Centre for Population Health; Stella McHardy, NHS Grampian; Julie Truman, NHS Glasgow City Council Public Health Resource Unit.
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References
Aberdeen Green Space Audit 2010 http://www.aberdeencity.gov.uk/Planning/pla/pla_open_space_audit.asp
Aberdeen Traffic Light Health Profiles 2009 http://www.nhsgrampian.org/nhsgrampian/gra_display_simple_index.jsp?pContentID=3 148&p_applic=CCC&p_service=Content.s
GoWell (2010), Progress for People and Places: Monitoring change in Glasgow’s communities. Evidence from the GoWell Surveys 2006 and 2008. Glasgow Centre for Population Health.
Milton Green Network Project Household Questionnaire and Youth Survey 2009, Glasgow & Clyde Valley Green Network Partnership
NHS Glasgow City Council Health and Wellbeing Survey 2008 http://www.phru.net/rande/Health%20and%20Wellbeing%202008/Trends%20Final%20 Report.pdf
Northfield (Aberdeen) 2010/11 Neighbourhood Community Action Plan http://www.communityplanningaberdeen.org.uk/Internet/NCAP/NCAPs.asp
Scottish Household Survey (SHS) 2007/2008: Local Authority Tables available for Glasgow and Aberdeen 2007/2008 http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Statistics/16002/LATablesAnnual2007‐2008
Ward Thompson C, Roe J and Aspinall P (2010), Woodlands In and Around Towns (WIAT): a longitudinal study comparing perceptions and use of woodlands pre and post‐ intervention (2006‐2009), an unpublished report prepared for the Forestry Commission Scotland, OPENspace, Edinburgh.
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