Safer Parks: Improving access for women and girls

Parks are essential for all of us, but are less used by women and girls due primarily to concerns about safety, with health and wellbeing impacts. This guidance builds on research by the University of Leeds in 2022 and sets out to address the inequity of access to parks using ten principles under three sections. 1) Eyes on the Park reflects that the presence of others makes women and girls feel safer. 2) Awareness addresses design issues that can help women and girls feel more secure. 3) Inclusion considers the importance of bringing a diverse cross-section of women and girls into our parks and designing spaces with their input. Ten case studies of good practice demonstrate how the principles can be applied. The document forms supplementary guidance to the Green Flag Award programme, which sets the benchmark standard for management of parks and green spaces across the UK and around the world.