Physical Activity, Green Space and Health

There is a growing resurgence in the recognition of the effect that local authority controlled policies have on public health. This recognition, coupled with the coalition government’s shift from National to local decision making, gives local authorities a clear responsibility to prioritise public health across all policy areas.

HM Partnerships have recently been commissioned by NHS Ashton, Leigh and Wigan, through the Heart of Wigan Partnership*, to conduct a rapid review of evidence relating to green space use and its impact on health and physical activity. The review follows on the back of HM Partnerships report into the ‘Impact of Public Policy on Health’ conducted in both Liverpool and Wigan local authority areas.

The review conducted by Debra Richardson and Mike Parker involved analysis of the evidence investigating the links between the outdoor environment and health. Peer-reviewed research (e.g. NICE) and published literature was given preference, alongside evidence from reputable sources such as CABE.

Whilst HM Partnerships review of evidence finds that there are considerable inconsistencies and contradictions in the findings of research, on balance the evidence considered clearly indicates a positive association between access to high quality green space, physical activity levels and health.

The review concludes that:

Investment in parks and green spaces should be seen as an investment in public health

• Green space can help to reduce health inequalities
• A supportive built environment is important in encouraging activity across all age groups but that there are significant variations in green space use by different age groups
• Green space needs to be available close to residential areas and of sufficient quality

* Heart of Wigan is a CVD prevention partnerships lead by NHS Ashton Leigh and Wigan and Wigan Council