The findings from a two-year in-depth investigation into how different types of green space can affect health have been released today.

Published in several formats and across two journals, the research paints a complex picture of how ‘greenspace’ can impact upon health.

The study’s conclusions support the general argument that natural environments support and promote good health and wellbeing – but also that different types and qualities of environment matter. Importantly, they suggest that higher quality environments may be more beneficial.

However, the findings also highlight the need for more research to investigate these links thoroughly, ensuring that we understand which natural environments are beneficial, for whom, and in what context.

Dr Ben Wheeler, Lead Researcher on the Beyond Greenspace project, said

“There is a growing volume of scientific evidence showing that ‘greenspace’ is a potentially important resource for our health and wellbeing. Yet our findings show that this relationship is complex and, currently, poorly understood. The more evidence we can produce that properly reflects the nuances and subtleties of these interconnections, the better chance we have of implementing policies and programmes that will capitalise on opportunities to protect and improve public health and wellbeing as well as our precious natural environments.”

Full details of the research can be found on the Beyond Greenspace blog, with further information on the project available here.