Greenspace and biodiversity
Biodiversity
Biodiversity, or the wide variety of living organisms within an environment, has declined at a rapid rate in the last 50 years.
Evidence demonstrates that these trends are attributed to human activities, such as land use change, habitat degradation and fragmentation, pollution, and the impacts of climate change.
The State of Nature report published in 2023 has highlighted the decline of nature across Scotland, with 11% of species now classed as threatened with extinction.
Public bodies in Scotland have a duty under the Nature Conservation (Scotland) Act 2004 (Nature Conservation Scotland Act 2004) to further the conservation of biodiversity, taking care of nature all around us. Furthermore, the Wildlife and Natural Environment (Scotland) Act 2011 (Wildlife and Natural Environment Scotland Act 2011) requires every public body to summarise their activities to meet this duty, through the production of a publicly available report.
What actions have been taken to identify, protect and enhance biodiversity across your organisation?
NHS Golden Jubilee continues to develop new initiatives to support sustainability and biodiversity through the Climate Change and Sustainability Strategic Group governance structure. In addition to local governance, NHS Golden Jubilee is represented at a number of national groups and this ensures our local, community and national approach.
Pending funding approval, NHS Golden Jubilee has developed our Site Master Plan in relation to hard and soft landscaping and pedestrian, vehicular and cycle access, including routes on and through the site. We will continue to work with West Dunbartonshire Council and our local community to support their sustainability priorities, including developing our greenspace and its biodiversity for the benefit of our staff and our local citizens.
NHS Golden Jubilee also continues to develop initiatives such as ‘Trees for Life’ and plants 1 tree as hotel guests opt out of room cleaning services, reducing resource consumption, carbon emissions and increasing carbon sequestration. Conference facility users are also offered an opportunity to donate to the Hotel’s ‘Grove’ fund with 1 tree planted for each donation. In addition to health benefits for patients and staff, investment in greenspace around hospitals and healthcare centres helps tackle climate change and biodiversity loss.
This year to improve our greenspace and biodiversity we will further develop the Site Master Plan, particularly in relation to further opportunities to enhance the flora on site as the majority of the greenspace site is currently grass lawns with some trees. This will require further advice and exploration to determine the best planting strategies to combat the exposed nature of the site in terms of wind and weather and enhance the biodiversity.
We have plans that will enhance the greenspace and biodiversity of the site with clear benefits
to our staff and the community. However, these plans require capital investment to enhance
the greenspace. Some aspects will also require engagement with the local authority if statutory
approvals are required.
What actions have been taken to contribute to the NHSScotland Estate Mapping programme, or to develop an internal mapping programme?
Information including boundary detail and current greenspace has been confirmed and shared with the NHSScotland Estate Mapping Team. This will allow us to plan ahead in maintaining, improving and enhancing our greenspace. This exercise will also enable carbon sequestration of our greenspace.
What actions have been taken to mainstream biodiversity across the organisation?
Grounds are well maintained via an external contractor to ensure biodiversity is protected and
planting continues to aesthetically enhance our surroundings.
Plans are in place to establish a biodiversity/greenspace subgroup in 2024/2025 to take forward a
range of biodiversity improvement plans.
How have nature-based solutions been utilised to address the climate and biodiversity emergencies?
The Climate Change Risk Assessment and Adaptation Plan has identified no risks to our current
greenspace. However, there are opportunities to enhance biodiversity on the site which will be
reviewed over 2024/2025. Plans are also in place to establish a biodiversity/greenspace subgroup
in 2024/2025.
What actions have been undertaken to raise awareness, engagement and understanding of biodiversity and nature?
Plans are in place to establish a biodiversity/greenspace subgroup in 2024/2025 and highlight plans during Climate Week 2024.
What surveys, monitoring or assessment of biodiversity have been undertaken? If you have – have systems been developed to continue monitoring long-term?
Plans are in place to establish a biodiversity/greenspace subgroup in 2024/2025 to progress surveys and systems
of monitoring.
Greenspace
The design and management of the NHSScotland green estate for human and planetary health, offers an opportunity to deliver a range of mutually beneficial outcomes. These include action on climate change (both mitigation and adaptation), biodiversity, health and wellbeing for patients and staff, community resilience building and active travel.
NHS Golden Jubilee is fortunate to be surrounded by ample green space, outside space for walking and sitting, including a cycle path near our site along the canal. Not only does this provide opportunities for walking and relaxing but supports wellbeing of patients, staff and visitors.
The table below outlines any key greenspace projects and their benefits.
| Project/name of location | Benefits of project | Details of project |
|---|---|---|
| Garden of Reflection | Biodiversity Health and wellbeing |
Transformation of the existing courtyard to create a quiet peaceful refuge where staff can retreat, relax and de-stress. Works included installation of new paving, benching as well as planting of shrubs, plants and bulbs with the removal of the existing water feature. |
| Living Wall | Biodiversity Health and wellbeing |
Our moss wall located within the Hotel is crafted from real moss that has been treated with natural preservatives, allowing it to retain its fresh, green appearance without ongoing upkeep. The moss doesn’t require light or water, needing only an occasional light dusting to maintain its appearance. The moss wall brings a vibrant, natural aesthetic to our Hotel, enhancing the space with its lush green colour and unique, tactile quality. Its preserved nature offers a low-maintenance solution that doesn’t require light or water, making it an ecofriendly addition that also improves the visual and audio appeal of our interiors. This green wall feature helps create a welcoming, contemporary ambiance, allowing us to stand out and connect with guests seeking sustainable spaces. |
Table 15
