Access to outdoor spaces isn’t a luxury – it’s essential for our health, happiness and future.

This website is about encouraging people to get outdoors amongst nature, understand the physical & mental health benefits of being outdoors and see some of the finest sights and places that nature has to offer. However, whilst travelling far and wide to see the best places, it is my view that the most important natural places are those that are right where we live and work, the most accessible, that we can enjoy daily. However, right here in the UK, where I live, not everyone has easy access to green space and that is what this article addresses.

Whether it’s a local park, a woodland trail, a windswept coastline or a quiet riverside path, spending time outdoors has a profound effect on our physical and mental wellbeing. Yet for millions of people across the UK, easy access to quality green space remains out of reach.

As our lives become increasingly dominated by screens, traffic, long working hours and urban development, protecting and improving access to nature has never been more important.

The UK Has a Nature Access Problem

Despite living in one of the world’s most developed countries, access to green space is far from equal.

According to Natural England’s People and Nature Survey:

• Around one in three adults report spending less time in nature than they would like.
• Nearly 40% of people say they face barriers to spending time outdoors.
• Common barriers include lack of time, poor access, concerns about safety, disability, cost of travel and a lack of nearby quality green spaces.

The picture is particularly concerning in urban and deprived communities.

Research by Friends of the Earth found that:

• Over 2.8 million people in England live more than a 10-minute walk from a public park or green space.
• People living in the most deprived areas typically have access to less and lower-quality green space than those in wealthier neighbourhoods.

Children are especially affected.

National Trust research suggests today’s children spend significantly less time outdoors than previous generations, with many spending more time on digital devices than playing outside.

Nature Is One of the Most Powerful Health Interventions We Have

The evidence linking nature and health is now overwhelming.

Simply spending time outdoors has been shown to:

• Reduce stress hormones.
• Lower blood pressure.
• Improve mood.
• Reduce anxiety and depression.
• Improve sleep quality.
• Increase physical activity.
• Improve concentration and creativity.
• Strengthen immune function.
• Reduce feelings of loneliness.

Perhaps most remarkably, research suggests that just two hours a week in nature is associated with significantly better physical and mental health. This landmark study, published in Scientific Reports, found that people who spent at least 120 minutes per week in natural environments were substantially more likely to report good health and wellbeing than those who spent no time in nature.

The NHS increasingly recognises these benefits through green social prescribing, where healthcare professionals recommend activities such as walking groups, gardening, conservation volunteering and community nature projects alongside traditional treatments.

Green Space Can Save Lives

The benefits extend far beyond simply feeling happier.

Numerous studies have found that people living near accessible green space have lower risks of:

• Heart disease
• Stroke
• Obesity
• Type 2 diabetes
• Depression
• Premature death

Research published in The Lancet Planetary Health estimated that increasing access to urban green spaces could prevent thousands of premature deaths every year across Europe.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, parks and nature reserves became vital refuges, reminding us that access to the outdoors isn’t just recreational—it’s a public health necessity.

Nature Helps Build Stronger Communities

Outdoor spaces don’t just improve individual wellbeing—they strengthen communities.

Parks, beaches, forests and local trails encourage people to:

• Meet neighbours.
• Exercise together.
• Volunteer.
• Spend quality family time.
• Support local businesses.
• Develop stronger community pride.

Communities with attractive green spaces often report higher levels of social cohesion and lower feelings of isolation.

For children, outdoor play also supports healthy development by improving confidence, resilience, balance, creativity and problem-solving skills.

The Economic Case Is Just as Strong

Investing in green spaces isn’t simply good for people—it makes financial sense.

Poor mental health costs the UK economy an estimated over £100 billion every year through healthcare costs, lost productivity and reduced quality of life.

Meanwhile:

• Physical inactivity costs the NHS around £1 billion annually.
• Green social prescribing has shown promising results in reducing GP visits and improving wellbeing.
• Attractive parks and walking routes increase tourism, support local businesses and can boost property values.

Every pound invested in quality green infrastructure has the potential to deliver multiple pounds in health, environmental and economic benefits.

Why Access Isn’t Equal

Not everyone experiences nature in the same way.

Barriers include:

• Living in densely built urban areas.
• Poor public transport.
• Disability or limited mobility.
• Financial constraints.
• Lack of safe walking routes.
• Fear of crime.
• Poor maintenance of parks.
• Limited time due to work or caring responsibilities.

Climate change may also widen inequalities, as wealthier communities often benefit from more trees, cooler neighbourhoods and larger parks.

Access to nature is increasingly becoming an issue of social justice.

What Should We Do as a Society?

If we want a healthier, happier and more resilient population, improving access to outdoor spaces should become a national priority.

1. Protect Existing Green Spaces

Once parks, woodlands and open countryside are lost to development, they are incredibly difficult to replace. Protecting what we already have should be the first priority.

2. Create More Nature Close to Home

Everyone should live within a short, safe walk of quality green space. New housing developments should include parks, trees, walking routes and spaces designed for both wildlife and people.

3. Improve Walking and Cycling Infrastructure

Safe pavements, cycle paths and public rights of way make it easier for people to enjoy the outdoors without needing a car.

4. Make Nature Accessible for Everyone

Outdoor spaces should be inclusive.

This means better accessible paths, seating, toilets, clear signage and facilities that allow people of all ages and abilities to enjoy nature.

5. Encourage Outdoor Learning

Children who regularly experience nature develop healthier habits that often last a lifetime.

Schools should be supported to increase outdoor education, forest school activities and local nature visits.

6. Recognise Nature as Preventative Healthcare

Doctors, employers and policymakers should increasingly see access to nature as part of preventing illness—not simply treating it afterwards. Investment in parks may be just as valuable as investment in healthcare.

A Future Worth Building

As the UK continues to grow, we face a choice.

We can continue building communities where nature is squeezed into the spaces left over after development, or we can place green spaces at the heart of how we design our towns, cities and villages.

The evidence is clear: access to nature improves our physical health, strengthens our mental wellbeing, supports thriving communities and reduces pressure on our healthcare system.

It should not depend on your postcode, income or circumstances.

Every child should have somewhere safe to play beneath the trees. Every adult should be able to step outside and find somewhere to walk, breathe and reconnect with the natural world.

Investing in accessible outdoor spaces isn’t simply an environmental issue—it’s an investment in healthier people, stronger communities and a better future for everyone.

References

• Natural England – People and Nature Survey.
• Scientific Reports (White et al., 2019): Spending at least 120 minutes a week in nature is associated with good health and wellbeing.
• Friends of the Earth – England’s Green Space Gap.
• The Lancet Planetary Health – Research on urban green space and mortality.
• NHS England – Green Social Prescribing Programme.
• Office for National Statistics – Health and wellbeing data.
• National Trust – Research into children’s connection with nature.