An Investigation into the Relationship Between Greenspace Availability and Wellbeing in Leeds

Abstract

Creating a multifunctional greenspace in urban areas is crucial in ensuring communities have equal access to outdoor space, however, the extent of the role greenspace can play in improving wellbeing is uncertain, with the subjectivity of the term leading to some uncertainty. As research into the close links between physical and mental wellbeing and greenspace continues to emerge, there has been an increased awareness and encouragement by policy makers such as the UK Government to interact with these areas, with a suggestion that a number of social, recreational and environmental benefits can be gained. These benefits are evident when examining the role of urban greenspace in Leeds, where the local council has created the ‘Parks and Green Spaces Strategy’, which aims to maintain and promote the use of urban greenspace, and ensure that all audiences have an equal access. Through conducting an online questionnaire and in-person interviews, this project considers how a nontechnical audience such as the general public define “greenspace” and “wellbeing” to examine a spaces purpose, and the potential benefits that can be provided. Results have shown that greenspace is a vegetated area such as a park or open space, with some consideration of rural areas of farmland. It is also clear that the COVID-19 pandemic has influenced the use of greenspace, with participants acknowledging the benefit these areas can have, and the ability a greenspace has in creating an ‘escape’. It is clear that there must be a continued engagement with individuals, to ensure that people are aware of the mental and physical benefits that can be gained from interacting with a greenspace, to ensure that these areas are appropriately designed, and effective elsewhere.

Date of Award	Mar 2024
Original language	English
Awarding Institution	Coventry University
Supervisor	SM Charlesworth (Supervisor), Craig Lashford (Supervisor) & Jade Catterson (Supervisor)