We often think of great access to green space applying more to the countryside than built-up areas but there is a surprising amount of green space (parks, playing fields and other accessible green space) in our towns and cities with much of it within easy reach.
Analysis of recently published data from the Ordnance Survey shows that around 1 in 5 homes in Great Britain are within 100m of a green space with the average distance being 301m.
Research by University of Warwick found that people living within 300 metres of a 1ha (2.47 acres) green space have a statistically significant wellbeing boost. They also found that the wellbeing boost increased for every additional hectare of green space within 300 metres.
Having heard all of this interesting data we thought we would compare Lancaster to other regions of the North West. I think we all know Lancaster is a very green city. We have Williamson Park which has 54 acres of beautiful parkland. Ryelands Park covers 47.6 acres. The nature reserve in Fairfield is just over 11 acres. There is Greaves Park, the canal, the River Lune, the list goes on. We are very lucky.
In Lancaster, 7.5% of the area is public green space. Across the Northwest, the average is just 2.5% of the environment. Only 17% of people are lucky enough to live within 300m of a green space which provides that wellbeing boost. How far is your nearest large green space? We really are very lucky in Lancaster to have a true mix of city, countryside, city parks and the coast just a short drive!
My name is Michelle Gallagher. At JDG we make it our mission to know and understand our local area. If you are thinking of moving, we would love to talk. You can call me on 01524 843322 or email me at michelle@jdg.co.uk
Thanks for reading
Michelle
