Greenspace and mental wellbeing

A new study called, A spatial analysis of proximate greenspace and mental wellbeing in London, published in Applied Geography provides compelling evidence of how urban greenspaces improve mental health. Using data from 25,518 people the researchers found that Londoners living within 300m of greenspace had significantly better mental health. The study showed the close proximity to greenspace was more important to good mental wellbeing than other factors including, income, employment and general health.

It has been long understood and widely accepted that greenspace in urban areas is beneficial to mental health but this is the first study to demonstrate how much greenspace is needed and how close it needs to be to people’s homes to make a difference. The study found that there is a strong relationship between the proximity of greenspace around an individual’s home and their feelings of life satisfaction, happiness and self worth. Greenspace within 300m of a home had the greatest influence on mental wellbeing.