Hidden Greens, Hidden Inequities? Evaluating Accessibility and Spatial Equity of Non-Park Green Spaces in London

Tianwen Wang, Xiaofei Du, Guanqing Feng () and Haihui Hu ()
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Tianwen Wang: College of Horticulture and Landscape Architecture, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150006, China
Xiaofei Du: College of Mechanical and Electrical Engineering, Harbin Engineering University, Harbin 150001, China
Guanqing Feng: College of Horticulture and Landscape Architecture, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150006, China
Haihui Hu: College of Horticulture and Landscape Architecture, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150006, China

Sustainability, 2025, vol. 17, issue 20, 1-22

Abstract: Urban green spaces (UGSs) are critical to ecological sustainability and human well-being, but equitable access remains a key challenge, particularly in high-density cities. While existing studies have predominantly focused on parks, the role of non-park green spaces (NPGSs) has received limited attention. This study examines the spatial equity of NPGSs—an overlooked but essential component of urban green infrastructure in Inner London—using a typological classification informed by previous research, along with multi-threshold accessibility assessment and spatial justice evaluation. We apply GIS-based buffer analysis, decomposed Gini coefficients, and Moran’s I clustering to quantify distributional disparities. The main findings are as follows: (1) five NPGS types are defined and mapped in Inner London: Natural and Protected, Community and Household, Purpose-Specific, Linear, and Underutilized; (2) significant accessibility inequities exist among NPGS types, with Community and Household demonstrating high equity (Gini coefficient < 0.25), while Underutilized exhibit severe deprivation (Gini coefficient > 0.74); (3) spatial clustering analysis reveals a core–periphery differentiation, characterized by persistent low–low clusters in central boroughs and emerging high–high hot spots in southeastern/northwestern boroughs. This study underscores the critical role of NPGS in complementing park-based greening strategies and provides a transferable framework to assess green equity, thereby contributing to the achievement of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Keywords: non-park green spaces; spatial equity; accessibility; core-periphery differentiation; sustainable development goals (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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