New Greenspace at Foresterhill opens in bid to prevent flooding and improve health

NHS Grampian has transformed an area covering almost as much ground as two football pitches into an oasis of greenery at its Foresterhill Health Campus. 

The Greenspace Project was funded by the European Regional Development Fund through NatureScot, designed by erz landscape architects and built by Kier Construction. It covers land between the health board’s new mortuary facility and ONE Biohub, behind the multi-storey and shale car parks.  

Derick Murray, non-executive board member and green champion for NHS Grampian, said: “We’re pleased to open this important space during Climate Week Scotland. It is well placed to aid patients’ rehabilitation and give staff and visitors as well as the wider community somewhere to clear their heads, reconnect with the outdoors and enjoy a walk.  

“This project has sought to improve the quality and accessibility of greenspace on our estate as well as creating much-needed flood prevention basins, and what an impressive result. The area supports the restoration of nature and will be helpful for patients, staff, visitors and local residents for generations to come. I’d like to thank everyone who has played their part in bringing it to life.” 

More than 150 trees have been planted as part of the project which also involved woodland planting and opening up an old burn which ran under the site. The area also includes a picnic and natural play area, wildflower meadows and an extensive sculptural basin which will capture surface water run-off from the car park and hold this water during storm events. A new path now runs from a new opening in the boundary wall on Westburn Road, providing easier pedestrian or cycle access to the site. 

Chair of the Board of NHS Grampian, Alison Evison commented: “The health, wellbeing and therapeutic benefits of spending time in nature are extensive. It produces chemicals in the brain linked to reducing stress levels and helps to lower blood pressure. We’re immensely proud to now open and share this space with the local community.”  

Sean O’Callaghan, operations director, Kier Construction North & Scotland said: “We’re proud to have worked with NHS Grampian to create a sustainable and peaceful place that supports people's wellbeing while enhancing biodiversity.  

“Sustainability and efficiency are at the heart of every project we deliver at Kier. We are proud to see these environmental and sustainability aims being maintained long after we’ve left."  

NHS Grampian Environmental Manager Rachel Roberts added: “Foresterhill was once covered in ancient wildflower meadow, supporting a diverse network of insects, birds, and mammals. Over time, the area evolved to become the largest hospital campus in Europe, dominated by hard infrastructure and impermeable surfacing that lacks quality green space usage for people and wildlife.   

“Now, spanning some 12,254 m2, this re-naturalised area offers a matrix of habitats including native wildflower meadows, small woodland, and ephemeral floodplain that restores ecological function to work with nature, rather than against it. The uninterrupted connectivity of features also bolster biodiversity at a local and regional level, offering habitat and sustenance to vulnerable pollinators, songbirds, and other wildlife.   

“The path and accessible seating provide patients, staff, visitors, and the wider community with a space to relax, walk, reflect, or simply ‘be’ in the outdoors, away from the noise and pollution of a busy hospital and associated vehicular traffic. This space offers wildlife a safe haven and its people a front row seat to witness nature in action!” 

Find out more about NHS Grampian’s commitment to taking action on climate change, and why, at www.nhsgrampian.org/sustainability