Two-thirds of city dwellers wish there were more green spaces in their area

15 January 2023 , 09:00

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Two-thirds of Brits living in cities wish there was more greenery in their area (Image: SWNS)

Two-thirds of Brits living in cities wish there was more greenery around where they lived – with 78% believing this would improve their mental wellbeing, research has found.

Over a quarter of city dwellers (26%) feel demotivated by the lack of green space in their area, and wish there were more trees (43%), flower beds (38%) or grass (36%) nearby.

And the poll, of 2,000 adults living in urban environments, found a fifth even feel isolated by the lack of greenery – with two-thirds (67%) willing to consider moving to the suburbs or countryside, to be around nature more.

But 57% would simply be happy to see more vertical greenery in their city, such as living walls where plants grow up the side of buildings – to make up for the fact that 43% believe there is too little ground space available.

The results come ahead of Blue Monday tomorrow (January 16), which is considered the most miserable day of the year for many.

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Two-thirds would consider moving to the countryside to be around nature more (SWNS)

And the survey found that Liverpool residents crave more greenery the most in their city, with nine in ten wanting to see more of it where they live.

Those living in Brighton are most keen to have more green roof terraces on their buildings (42%), while Birmingham residents would like more trees in their city (53%).

Meanwhile, those in Coventry are the most content with their access to the great outdoors, instead wanting to see more indoor plants in workplaces and public spaces (52%).

The research was commissioned by Biotecture, whose managing director, Richard Sabin, said: “Having access to green space shouldn’t just be a bonus when it comes to living in a city – everyone should be able to easily enjoy nature.

“It’s no surprise people feel demotivated and isolated if they don’t have access to greenery – whether that’s at their place of work, where they live, or where they socialise.

“But it’s true cities can lack the space, which is why vertical living walls can be a great solution.”

The majority of city dwellers (79%) enjoy living in an urban place, thanks to the convenience, career opportunities, and social life.

But of those who would consider a move to a greener area, 40% would do so to seek cleaner air, while 39% would like a calmer life, more space (34%), and to be able to get outside more (32%), according to the study carried out via OnePoll.

However, 62% would consider staying in a metropolitan environment if there was more investment in urban greening.

The key benefits of living around plenty of greenery were considered to be having cleaner air (47%) and more wildlife (45%).

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Richard Sabin added: “The countryside has its draws, but it’s easy to see why people love living an urban life.

“Plants and greenery can make our cities healthier, happier, and more resilient to climate change.

“It’s clear people can enjoy many of the benefits associated with more rural living, whilst enjoying everything our cities have to offer, if we prioritise and invest in urban greening.”

Martin Winter