The Green and Blue Spaces Project was funded by the National Institute for Health Research and was a collaborative effort between researchers from the University of Exeter, Swansea University, the University of Liverpool, Cardiff University and the Barcelona Institute for Global Health. The project aimed to investigate the effects of Green and Blue Spaces (GBS) on our mental health and provide insights for future research.
The Green and Blue Spaces Project used health and environment data from the Secure Anonymised Information Linkage Databank (SAIL) to explore connections between natural environments, well-being, and socioeconomic factors. Results showed that visiting green spaces can improve well-being and reduce socioeconomic inequalities. However, there are challenges in accurately assessing green spaces using satellite images. Studies also suggest frequent exposure to green and blue spaces can lower the risk of mental health disorders. The research highlights the importance of accessible green spaces for mental health and provides insights for policymakers and urban planners.
The full NIHR project report “Green blue space exposure changes and impact on individual-level well-being and mental health: a population-wide dynamic longitudinal panel study with linked survey data” has been published in the Journal of Public Health Research.