Evidence
The NHS Forest’s database of evidence and resources covers all aspects of green space and health. We have compiled the most relevant academic research, policy briefings, tools and reports covering a whole spectrum of issues, from biodiversity and climate change to green social prescribing and connection to nature.
Use the filters on the left to search for specific resource types or topics of interest. If you think we’ve missed something, do let us know at info@nhsforest.org.
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Urban heat mitigation by green and blue infrastructure: drivers, effectiveness, and future needs
The Innovation, 2024
- This review focuses on how to mitigate the risk of urban overheating by green-blue-grey infrastructure (GBGI)
- 51 GBGI types in 10 key categories assessed by monitoring>modelling>remote sensing>mixed methods.
- Highest cooling efficiency: botanical garden>wetland>green wall>street trees.
- New GBGI implementation should consider future climate impact, multifunctional co-benefits, and unintended consequences.
Ambient greenness, access to local green spaces, and subsequent mental health: a 10-year longitudinal dynamic panel study of 2·3 million adults in Wales
The Lancet, 2023
Living in greener areas, or close to green and blue spaces (GBS; eg, parks, lakes,…
Exploring ‘equigenesis’ in the associations between green space and kidney health among middle-aged and older adults using street view data
Innovation in Aging, 2023
This study systematically explores the association between community green space and preventing kidney failure among middle-aged and older adults in China, using street view data.
Exposure to Residential Green Space and Bone Mineral Density in Young Children
JAMA Network Open, 2024
In this birth cohort study of 327 children aged 4 to 6 years, participants exposed to more green space within a 300- to 3000-m radius around the residence had significantly higher bone mineral density.
Biodiversity and human health: A scoping review and examples of underrepresented linkages
Environmental Research Volume 246, 1 April 2024
Mounting evidence supports the connections between exposure to environmental typologies(such as green and blue spaces)and human health. However, the mechanistic links that connect biodiversity (the variety of life) and human health, and the extent of supporting evidence remain less clear. Here, we undertook a scoping review to map the links between biodiversity and human health and summarise the levels of associated evidence using an established weight of evidence framework.
NHS Trees and Woodlands Valuation Pilot Study. A report to the Centre for Sustainable Healthcare.
Forest Research, 2023
The purpose of this study is to explore options for valuation of ecosystem services provided by trees and woodland on the NHS estate.
Valuing nature-based communities of care: A social return on investment(SROI) evaluation of The Fathom Trust ‘Making Well’ programme
Bangor University, 2022
This report presents a Social Return on Investment (SROI) evaluation of the ‘Making Well: Health & Healing through Green Craft’ programme. Developed and delivered by The Fathom Trust as part of a six-month pilot project, the aim of this community-led, nature-based programme is to support the health and well-being of people with long-term mild to moderate psychological conditions.
Philadelphia Towards Racial and Environmental Equity (Philly TREEs): how a medical school can advance health equity through urban forestry in Philadelphia, PA, USA
The Lancet, 2023
Inequity in access to urban greenspaces might contribute to health disparities in the USA via multiple pathways. Academic medical centres can promote health equity in their surrounding communities by partnering with community organisations to improve greenspace access in urban environments.
How the natural environment can support health and wellbeing through social prescribing
Mughal R., Seers H., Polley M., Sabey A. & Chatterjee H.J. National Academy for Social Prescribing, 2022
Evidence review of the impact of green social prescribing from the National Academy for Social Prescribing.
Cooling cities through urban green infrastructure: a health impact assessment of European cities
Lungman et al, 2023
High ambient temperatures are associated with many health effects, including premature mortality. The combination of global warming due to climate change and the expansion of the global built environment mean that the intensification of urban heat islands (UHIs) is expected, accompanied by adverse effects on population health. Urban green infrastructure can reduce local temperatures. This study aimed to estimate the mortality burden that could be attributed to UHIs and the mortality burden that would be prevented by increasing urban tree coverage in 93 European cities.