The first phase of the research will include a review of the current provision of greenspace in each of the participating states.

The review will provide a categorisation of open spaces and green areas, i.e. types, functions, aesthetic quality and ecological value as well as an analysis of current levels and types of use. The review will be followed by an assessment of how strategic planning can maximise the complementary contribution of different greenspace types while minimising user conflicts and pressures on the natural environment. Drawing on the views of practising planners and the users of greenspace, the study will assess how these benefits can be maximised either by designing greenspace so as to meet these needs or by allowing certain areas to have particular specialist functions.

The second phase will involve the development of methodologies that can be systematically applied to establish the relative importance of greenspace attributes and the combination of greenspace types that maximise quality of life. This will likely include the combined use of economic valuation (i.e. choice experiments), GIS and computer-based visualization. Public participation will be used, initially to assist the design of surveys and the interpretation of the results, but subsequently in the development a practical decision support package.