Latest news 03 July 2010
Planting more trees and creating more green spaces in urban areas could lead to substantial savings in health care costs, it has been claimed.
In a new report titled Greening the Concrete Jungle, the Woodland Trust claimed that access to quality green spaces could have a number of health benefits for city dwellers.
For example, it could help to reduce rates of childhood asthma and other respiratory conditions, encourage people to adopt healthier, more active lifestyles and have therapeutic effects, alleviating stress and lowering blood pressure.
In addition, tree cover could help to cut skin cancer rates by providing shade in playgrounds, parks and other areas, protecting children and adults from UV radiation.
The group points out that 80 per cent of the UK population live in urban areas and less than ten per cent of these have access to local woodland within 500 metres of their home.
Meanwhile, the Woodland Trust is launching a nationwide campaign entitled More Trees, More Good, calling for a “massive” increase in tree planting across the country.
Posted by Emily Thomas
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