We must campaign for green space

Lockdown has thrown a spotlight on the inadequacies of our homes and our public realm when it comes to green space.

While they are not scientific in any way, my simple observations and conversations with others over the past few weeks have emphasised why easy access to this precious natural resource is so vital.

I live in a former mill town that is surrounded by open countryside. As a keen walker, I know that a simple stroll through or by fields can bring a huge boost to wellbeing.

Many in my community have also discovered the joys of this since lockdown, when they stopped themselves going stir crazy with a nature walk.

“Aren’t we lucky living here?”, “I don’t know what I would have done without it”, “I always feel better after a walk”, they say as we pass each other and exchange pleasantries on our socially distanced strolls.

Scientific research has proven that green spaces have healing effects and being in them, whether it’s a garden, a park or a field in the middle of nowhere, raises serotonin levels.

It has also shown that those who grow up without green spaces are more likely to suffer from psychiatric disorders.

The message is one that architects, including Property

Post columnist Ric Blenkharn, regularly preach. Planning rules must insist on communal green spaces on new developments, more trees must be planted and more parks must be created.

Sharon Dale, Property editor

Email: sharon.dale @ypn.co.uk

Twitter: @propertywords