06-03-2007 - Health

sagar: Author=’Deborah Byrd’ program=” video=”(June 3, 2007) City planners take note. Scientists in the United Kingdom have found that urban green space with more biological diversity – more birds and butterflies, a greater variety of plants – cause people to feel better both physically and psychologically.

Researchers from the University of Sheffield conducted the “study”:http://www.journals.royalsoc.ac.uk/content/74702733g5411mg8/?p=232194af210e4cdda10958a3019e6a4c&pi=1, which analyzed levels of biodiversity at 15 parks and green spaces across the U.K. The researchers questioned visitors on whether their outings helped them clear their minds, gain perspective, think easily about personal matters, or feel connected with nature. In places seen to have greater biodiversity, people reported feeling better. The researchers write that, “Public urban greenspaces provide one of the few avenues for direct contact with the natural environment … Such contact has measurable physical and psychological benefits.”

Similar “studies”:http://www.hookedonnature.org/research.html – for example, of hospital patients whose windows overlooked trees rather than brick walls – also suggest an increased benefit to people from a greater connection with nature.

Original source: “Biodiversity can provide mental health benefits”:http://www.worldwatch.org/node/5096

More that you might enjoy: “Studies Affirm Value of Biodiversity in Meeting Human Needs”:http://www.worldwatch.org/node/3964

Plus: “State of the world 2007: our urban future”:http://www.worldwatch.org/node/4752

Written by Deborah Byrd