Research
Urban trees reduce heat-related mortality rates
Study found that London’s urban forest helped avoid 153 heat attributable deaths, representing around 16% of Urban Heat Island related mortality.
Gardens
Horatio’s Garden launches private tours of their gardens
The spinal injury charity Horatio’s Garden, has launched a new series of tours offering the public the chance to visit their award-winning, fully accessible gardens.
Health
Dr Michael Mosley on the benefits of gardening
On his BBC Radio 4 podcast ‘Just One Thing’, Dr. Michael Mosley explains that gardening is not only good for physical fitness but benefits the brain, mood and gut microbiome.
Health
Policymakers urged to provide sustained funding for therapeutic horticulture initiatives
Members of the Scottish Gardening and Horticulture Cross-Party Group (CPG) have written to Ministers advocating for the health benefits of horticulture and gardening in healthcare.
Research
Horticultural engagement is effective for stress & mental fatigue recovery in children
Conducted by researchers in China, research into the stress recovery benefits for children participating in horticultural activities demonstrated greatly reduced physiological fatigue.
Charity
Ben Thomas is the new Thrive CEO
Former Head of Operations at Thrive, Ben Thomas has been appointed as CEO, replacing Kathryn Rossiter who stepped down in March.
Research
Research into garden influences on health & wellbeing seek participants
Researchers are looking for people to take part in a psychological intervention to explore how spending time in the garden influences health and wellbeing
Charity
Furzey gardening team seek support for RHS Hampton Court Garden Festival show garden
A talented group of gardeners want to show that people with learning disabilities are creative, committed and challenge the prejudices they face every day.
Health
Counting butterflies reduces anxiety
Research conducted by the University of Derby in association with Butterfly Conservation reveals that counting butterflies reduces anxiety by almost 10%.
Health
GPs urge policymakers to invest in green space to reduce NHS pressure
New research by the Woodland Trust, reveals that 96% of GPs surveyed want the government to combat health threats from climate change and extreme weather.
Research
Nature’s therapeutic power: study on the psychophysiological effects of touching grass
Study reveals that touching real grass increased relaxation, comfort, a sense of naturalness and decreases anxiety levels.
Local Heroes
Chelsea Physic Garden: Forget-me-nots
An important and endearing initiative by the Chelsea Physic Garden to support people living with dementia and their families.
Health
Sarah Raven on combatting the January blues
Expert gardener and author Sarah Raven is a fierce advocate for spending time outdoors in nature to boost one’s wellbeing.
Health
Eden Project launches Nature Connections Initiative
The Eden Project has announced a number of group activities starting during January which aim to bring people (of all ages) closer to nature and each other.
Health
Health benefits of winter garden visits
Research conducted by the National Garden Scheme confirms health benefits of visiting a garden in the dark days of winter.
RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2024
Bowel Research UK Microbiome Garden
Designed by Chris Hull and Sid Hill, the garden focuses on health, for people, plants and all life, taking inspiration from human cultures that tended thriving ecosystems for nourishment.
Design
Microbiome enhancing garden paths
Hard landscape features can be designed to support life, hosting plants, insects and microbe diversity.
Charity
The Nature Hubs Fund
In association with Starbucks, Hubbub is offering around 50 groups up to £6,000 of funding to develop green space initiatives to provide much needed access to nature.
Health
Tree equity map reveals disparity in tree cover
A new online map shows that less affluent areas in the UK have fewer trees and miss out on essential health benefits, like cleaner air.
Health
Urban Green Spaces: Parliamentary evidence
The Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee will hold the first evidence session of its inquiry into urban green spaces.