Urban parks and gardens are good for mental wellbeing

Living close to gardens, parks and other green spaces can be very good for your health and wellbeing, according to a study from the University of Exeter.

The higher education provided analysed data from 5,000 households in the UK over a period of 17 years and found those living near greenery had improved lives.

In particular, these people were found to have lower levels of mental distress and greater life satisfaction.

Dr Mathew White from the European Centre for the Environment and Human Health said: "We've found that living in an urban area with relatively high levels of green space can have a significantly positive impact on wellbeing, roughly equal to a third of the impact of being married."

He added that he hopes town planners will take the findings of the study on board and consider greater investment in developing more urban parks and gardens.

The charity Mind have also conducted similar research and found that 94 per cent of people who take part in 'green exercise' outdoors believe it is beneficial to their mental health.

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