Accessible urban green spaces could save the NHS up to £2.1 billion each year, but current policy fails to ensure parks are truly accessible, research shows. A new policy brief published by the university's Institute for Policy Research (IPR) sets out how a different approach could boost public health, reduce inequalities and deliver better value from existing green space.
While most people in England live within walking distance of a park, many feel unable to use them. Safety concerns, poor maintenance, limited facilities and feelings of exclusion mean proximity does not equal genuine access. The work is posted to the open-access data repository Zenodo.
A three-tier model for inclusive access
Based on research with communities in Bristol and engagement with policymakers, the brief shows these barriers disproportionately affect deprived communities, ethnic minority groups, disabled people, caregivers, older adults and women and girls.
The authors propose a new three-tier framework to redefine green space accessibility and help policymakers move beyond proximity-based standards.
