Why Parks Matter – An evidence Base
The evidence base provides key research documents that support the economic, environmental and social arguments in support of investing in parks.
Parks are good for the local economy. They encourage inward investment into cities and increase the footfall in town centres. They raise the value of property in close proximity. They are also a source of jobs and services. Here is some of the evidence that will help you understand the economic value of your parks and green spaces.
The Economic Value of our Green Spaces The Land Trust
The Economic Value of Green Infrastructure Natural England
The Economic Impact of Parks NRPA
The economic impact of ornamental horticulture and landscaping in the UK Oxford Economics
The Contribution of the Local Environment to the Local Economy CLES Groundwork
Measuring the Economic Value of a City Parks Systems Trust for Public Land
Greening for Growth Victoria BID GI Case Study Natural England
Green Infrastructure’s contribution to economic growth Eftec Sheffield Hallam
Parks are good for the local environment and help tackle climate change. They can provide natural services that reduce temperatures, absorb pollution, capture carbon and manage flood risk.
Here is some of the evidence that will help you understand how parks protect the environment and can help tackle climate change.
Preparing for Climate Change A Good Practice Guide ADEPT
Nature-Based Solutions & Re-Naturing Cities EU
Book Nature Based Solutions To Climate Change
Benefits of GI for heat mitigation and emissions reductions in cities Trust for Public Land
Parks boost the health of people who use them and live around them. They provide opportunities for physical recreation and are proven to help people tackle mental illness. By boosting the health and well-being of local communities parks help reduce the costs of public health. Here is some of the evidence that will help you understand the contribution of parks and green spaces to improving health and well being.
Urban green spaces and health review evidence WHO
The Economic Case for the Prevention of Mental Illness Annual Review of Public Health
SROI analysis of the health and wellbeing impacts of Wildlife Trusts
Physical activity and the environment PHE
Links between natural environments and mental health Natural England
Healthy High Streets Briefing Public Health England
Health Benefits of Parks Trust for Public Land
Green spaces and health inequalities PHE
Green space access, green space physical activity and overweight Natural England
Economic costs of inactivity Loughborough University
Costing the Walking for Health programme Natural England
Active parks healthy cities City Parks Alliance
A review of nature-based interventions for mental health care Natural England
A Guide to the Healthy Parks Healthy People Parks Victoria
Parks are most peoples favourite public places. They provide places where people come together and meet their neighbours strengthening communities. Here is some of the evidence that will help you understand how parks do this and how you can help
WHO’S WITH US? Bringing community along on the green space journey 202020 Vision
The social value of public spaces JRF
Social interaction, inclusion and community cohesion Forest Research
Places spaces people well being What Works for Well Being
Outdoor Recreation What Works for Well Being
Community ownership and management of parks and green spaces MyCommunity
There have been many surveys and report on parks in the UK over the years analysing their benefits and their current state. Here are a collection of the most comprehensive that provide a solid evidence base that parks matter.
Using Natural Capital in the Business Case for Parks EFTEC for TPA, PAG and MHCLG
Walking in Urban Parks and Green Spaces Ramblers TCPA
State of UK Public Parks 2016 NHLF
Space to Thrive 2019 A Rapid Evidence Review NHLF
Rethinking Parks New Business Models Nesta
Monitor of Engagement with the Natural Environment 10 Year Report Natural England
Learning to Rethinking Parks Nesta
Green and Public Space Research Mapping Department for Communities and Local Government
Communities and Local Government Committee Public Parks Inquiry
Committee of Public Accounts Committee Enhancing Urban Green Space