Multiple studies have been carried out to research the effects of taking a brief stroll in the park, but do you know the hidden benefits of just 120 minutes in the park every week?
Evidence shows that living in a greener environment can promote good health and is associated with better mental health and wellbeing outcomes, in addition to binding communities together (PHE England). £2.1 billion per year could be potentially saved by the NHS if everyone in England had access to good quality green space. (GOV UK). Besides the health benefits, there are immense environmental benefits, too, such as increased carbon sequestration and reduced air pollution which are particularly valuable given the current climate of global temperatures rising.
According to the BBC series, 'Trust Me, I'm A Doctor' Series 9, Episode 4, 75% of children spend less than an hour outdoors each day. A 3-week experiment was conducted on the show with 15 Edinburgh office workers spending an extra hour per week in nature. The results showed that overall their mental wellbeing increased, their stress hormone cortisol decreased and a steadiness of heart rate was observed. They concluded that 120 minutes or more spent outdoors each week saw a 30% decrease in stress levels and a decrease in blood pressure over time.
Nonsuch Park, located in Cheam, saved £17.99 per person in healthcare costs per year in 2015 due to its presence and removed 5,641kg of pollution by vegetation (ONS). Sound pollution was less than half in Nonsuch Park compared to Cheam Village and it is estimated that 4,120 tonnes of carbon is stored in the park's trees, equivalent to £65,927 of dry carbon. This is particularly useful for the environment as the trees capture and store the atmospheric carbon dioxide, ultimately decreasing the levels of greenhouse gases contributing to global warming. With historical attractions, such as Nonsuch Mansion and fresh pastries at the Cafe, it makes a perfect place to have a picnic with family, especially in the COVID-19 pandemic.
