The possible physical and mental health benefits of access to green space are promoted by a number of bodies. This document summarises the existing evidence, including the following key points:
– Physical and mental illness association with sedentary urban lifestyles are an increasing economic and social cost
– Areas with more accessible green space are associated with better mental and physical health
– Risk of mortality by cardiovascular disease is lower in residential areas with higher levels of ‘greenness’
– Exposure to nature could be used as treatment for some conditions