Green space improves cognitive function and mental health

Two recent articles add to the evidence of the positive impact of green space on children’s health and well-being. These reinforce the importance of investing in parks in urban areas and highlight the need for neighbourhood engagement in the process to promote use, satisfaction, and ownership of parks.

Payam Dadvand and colleagues found an association between growing up in greener neighbourhoods and beneficial effects on brain development and cognitive function in Barcelona (Spain).  

Among children aged 4 years  living in Bradford, UK, Rosemary McEachan and colleagues found that access to parks was associated with improved well-being in south Asian children (but not in white British children). Findings also suggest that the perception of the quality of green space could be a more important predictor of well-being than the quantity of green space.