Volunteers are being sought to help survey the array of open spaces across Aberdeen – ranging from playparks to award-winning formal parks.

Volunteers would be conducting an open space audit which is important as it assesses the quality and quantity of open space across the city and the results will be used to develop the revised Open Space Strategy and to assist with future policy, planning, and management of these areas.

Open spaces are the open, usually green, areas within and on the edges of settlements and can include parks, gardens, playing fields, woodland, river corridors, play areas, allotments, and civic spaces.

Aberdeen City Council operational delivery convener Councillor John Wheeler said: "We are blessed with beautiful green and open spaces all over the city which are looked by our own hard-working gardens and countryside rangers staff along with dozens of enthusiastic community groups and individuals.

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"This survey is a great opportunity for anyone who has an interest in the environment and green spaces to help assess the quality and quantity of open spaces across the city and gain some experience in data collection and surveying techniques.

"The volunteers will also gain knowledge and experience of working with a multidisciplinary team from various backgrounds and knowledge bases."

The audit will involve visiting these open spaces to survey them and collect information on their quality. Surveys are conducted during the day from approximately 9am and 5pm any day of the week, and would need to be completed by 28 February, 2019.

Basic knowledge about the natural environment would be useful but is not necessary as a short training session will be provided to volunteers giving them background information on the Open Space Audit as well as how to conduct the surveys on the ground.

Volunteers would be expected to commit a minimum of a week's time towards carrying out surveys, and this can be spread over a longer period of time and does not need to be one solid week.

Anyone interested in volunteering for the survey should contact the council.