Green spaces

Green spaces, such as parks, woodland, fields and allotments, are increasingly recognised as an important asset for supporting health and wellbeing.

This 'natural capital' can help to:

• Improve health and wellbeing

• Reduce health inequalities

• Improve social cohesion

• Take positive action to address climate change  

Living in a greener environment can promote and protect good health, aid recovery from illness and help with managing poor health.

People who have greater exposure to green spaces have a range of more favourable physiological outcomes. Greener environments are also associated with better mental health and wellbeing outcomes. This includes reduced levels of depression, anxiety and fatigue, and enhanced quality of life for both children and adults.  

Green spaces can help to bind communities together, reduce loneliness, and mitigate the negative effects of air pollution, excessive noise, heat and flooding.  

Research shows that disadvantaged groups appear to gain a larger health benefit and have reduced socioeconomic-related inequalities in health when living in greener communities. So we can use green spaces and a greener urban environment as important tools in the drive to build a fairer society.  

In Public Health we're working with colleagues across the Council to improve knowledge and understanding of the role green space plays in people's health and wellbeing.

We're also working to ensure the Council takes health considerations into account when developing green infrastructure proposals.