How heritage gives us Grade-I assisted boost

IT’S a widely held belief that interacting with nature and green spaces can be good for our mental health.

But living in more built-up areas – at least places with historic or grand buildings around – may give us a boost too.

A study found living near a heritage site can be good for our wellbeing, with cherished landmarks such as churches and old taxi stands having a positive effect.

Grade II-listed buildings, which represent 92 per cent of historic places on the National Heritage List for England, are the main drivers of life satisfaction increases. Improvements to quality of life were found regardless of whether people participated in activities that involved the heritage site.

The study, by Historic England and the Department for Culture, Media and Sport, also showed wellbeing improvements were found in less likely places. Heritage spots in Hackney had a more profound effect on wellbeing than ones in Kensington and Chelsea.

The Potteries in Stoke was credited with being one of the happiest areas, while Wandsworth in south-west London scored highest overall.

Wandsworth has five Grade I-listed sites and 39 Grade II-listed sites — among the best known is Battersea Power Station. Lord Neil Mendoza, chairman of Historic England and chairman of the culture and heritage capital board at the Department for Culture, said: ‘We all value the role that green spaces play in ensuring wellbeing, this... research shows us that everyday local heritage found in towns and cities... plays a comparable and valuable role.

‘This is the first research to quantify the wellbeing value of the very existence of heritage, whether or not people participate in heritage activities.’