Need a wellbeing boost? Take a walk in the park.

13 May 2010

It’s official – a short spell of exercise in a green space has been proven to offer a significant boost to mental health and wellbeing.

Research findings released by Essex University this week (4 May 2010) has found clear links between five minutes of walking, cycling or other exercise in a green space with a boost in mental health.

The research comes a few weeks afer the launch of the Green Flag Award’s ‘People’s Choice – Site of the Year Award’ which is urging the public to vote for their favourite local park or green space.

In this recent analysis, UK researchers looked at evidence from 1,250 people in ten studies and found fast improvements in mood and self-esteem. Young people and the mentally ill saw the greatest benefits.

A range of outdoor activities were considered during the research. These included walking, gardening, cycling, fishing, boating, horse-riding and farming in locations such as a park, garden or nature trail. The most significant effects were found within five minutes of carrying out the exercise.

Green spaces with water – a lake or a river – were particularly effective in boosting health and wellbeing.

Paul Todd, Manager of the Green Flag Award scheme, said:

“The UK is home to countless beautiful green spaces which provide the perfect setting for a short walk, jog or cycle. Those that have been awarded with the Green Flag quality standard mark are guaranteed to offer high quality amenities and a clean and well maintained environment.

“Why not take your trainers to work tomorrow and spend your lunchtime in your local park? You should notice the benefits straight away!”

The Green Flag Award is the national standard for parks and green spaces in England, Wales and Scotland and recognises and rewards the best green spaces in the country.  There are currently over 1000 parks around the country that are proudly flying their Green Flag Award.  The application round for 2010/2011 closed at the end of January and the winners will be announced in July, with record numbers expected.

Keep Britain Tidy runs the Green Flag Award in partnership with BTCV and GreenSpace.

Notes to editors

• The Green Flag Award Scheme is managed by a consortium, comprising Keep Britain Tidy, BTCV and GreenSpace. Known collectively as the Green Flag Plus Partnership, the consortium manages the scheme in England on behalf of Communities and Local Government (CLG) and in Wales for the Welsh Steering Group.
• Green Flag Award recognises well managed, high quality green spaces. Any green space is eligible to win this award providing visitors can enter free of charge. Previous winners include parks managed by local authorities as well as those run by community groups and trusts.
• The application process for the Green Flag Awards closed on 31st January 2010 and winners will be announced on 28th July – This line will vary year to year
• The applications for the Green Flag Awards are judged against eight criteria: a welcoming place; healthy safe and secure; clean and well maintained; sustainability; conservation and heritage; community involvement; marketing; and management.
• The Green Flag Award vision is that by 2020, 50 per cent of green spaces in England and Wales will be of Green Flag standard – a staggering 15,000 sites.

Find out more about the Green Flag Award Scheme or visit one of our partner's websites:

• Communities and Local Government - the Government department responsible for creating economically strong cities and regions which enhance England's national prosperity and provide opportunities for people in all parts of the country
• Keep Britain Tidy - runs the Green Flag Award in partnership with BTCV and GreenSpace.
• GreenSpace - working to improve parks and green spaces by raising awareness, involving communities and creating skilled professionals.
• BTCV - creating a more sustainable future by inspiring people and improving places