What effects do different types of green infrastructure have on mental health? Do these effects vary across population groups? This project will focus on testing the co-benefits of green infrastructure and nature-based interventions on human mental health and wellbeing at different scales in the UK.
What are the aims of the project?
- To provide evidence through a multi-scale analysis of green infrastructure and mental health, encompassing local (micro), regional (meso), and national (macro) perspectives within the UK.
- To understand how different types of green infrastructure (e.g., trees, grassland, woodland, water bodies) affect mental health outcomes in different population groups.
What methods are we using?
The project employs a multi-scale, mixed-methods approach combining geospatial analysis (i.e., remote sensing, spatial modelling, and environmental datasets) with longitudinal and cross-sectional mental health data to examine relationships between green space and mental health at various scales.
What is the importance of this research?
The research addresses the gap in understanding the specific amount, type, and quality of green space needed for mental health benefits. It also explores both subjective mental health outcomes and objective mental health data in relation to green space exposure.
What are the implications of this research?
This research will highlight how socioeconomic, racial, and geographical factors limit access to nature, exacerbating health issues like asthma, obesity and stress. The findings will inform urban planning and policy, advocating for inclusive, evidence-based strategies that ensure all communities benefit from nature-based wellbeing interventions.
Who are we partnering with?
We are working with Natural England and OxWell survey teams.
What’s next?
Next up for this project is data analysis, refining methodologies, and applying findings to policy recommendations. We will extend our reach using the UK Biobank data and school-level data linkages via the OxWell study.
For more information, visit our project page and follow us on Bluesky.
Key Researchers:
