H& S: Wellbeing Flashcards
Briefly outline 3 ways in which green open space benefits people’s mental health
The opportunity to get out of the home, and if necessary to be alone, and quiet.
Restful effect of nature on the mind (biophilia), benefit of being surrounded by trees and plants
Social opportunities: a place to meet other people in a restful and neutral environment
What are 4 public places in which it is possible to see and experience plant life in the city
Public parks
Streetside planting
Historic Gardens
Nursery
- Some community activities in public spaces are noisy
(some sports), produce smoke and smells (barbecues) or
involve activity seen by some people as transgressive.
Describe one way in which the design of public green
space, such as a park, might enhance its capacity for
multiple uses or multiple groups to enjoy the make use of
the space whilst minimising inconvenience or offence to
others.
Planting does play an important role here:
> public spaces benefit from ‘differentiation” : breaking up of large areas into smaller ones using small trees, shrubs and hedges.
> it is important that they are not closed off, as this can create security fears amongst park users
> (you can leave them open on one side), creating a a feeling of privacy as well as acting as a windbreak
> benches, seating areas
> good distribution of trees that give shade
- How is access to quality public green space distributed
unequally? Suggest one small way in which access to
green space could be improved in a dense urban
environment.
Urban areas vary enormously in the distribution of green space. So do rural
areas, as country areas do not always have public access to land. Typically,
wealthier areas, particularly those areas developed as middle-class or élite
housing in a period of extensive park construction (such as the late 19th
century) would have large areas of green public space, whilst those made
later are less likely to be well-served, and working-class areas wouldrequently have the least. Some areas of public housing may have plenty of
green space, but it might be quite undifferentiated – just mown grass
between tower blocks for example.
In areas with no purpose-designed green space, it is possible to take over
vacant lots or waste ground, in agreement with the owners for temporary
public spaces. Small ‘pocket parks’ are also a possibility. However these
usually require considerable community activity and lobbying, and sometimes,
fundraising, to make happen. Undifferentiated green space is easier to deal
with, and often just needs some creative planting, but community politics is
still necessary to get the agreement of stakeholders and land owners.
‘Guerrilla gardening’ is often a possibility here, although of course the success
of such efforts is contingent on the attitudes of the land owners.
- Public parks are a vital part of a healthy urban lifestyle.
Briefly outline their history, and describe how they have
changed over time – how might a modern park be
different to one a century ago?
What are some of the
problems that modern parks face, compared to the past,
and how are these problems being addressed?
> Public parks originated in the 19th century.
Initially designed to offer city dwellers recreation and amusement.
Quality of parks varied by class:
Wealthier areas had better quality spaces with developed horticulture and glasshouses.
Poorer areas typically had simpler spaces with trees and grass.
Public gardens:
Smaller areas with restricted access, often requiring payment.
Higher standard of horticulture.
Many have since been integrated with public parks.
> Decline in public horticulture standards in the UK due to budget cuts.
Past horticultural practices, like annual bedding, are now seen as unsustainable.
Emphasis on naturalistic, lower-maintenance planting styles.
Parks are increasingly promoted as urban nature reserves, with some areas allowed to go wild.
Formation of ‘Friends groups’ to advocate for park users and fund improvements.
Access to parks is now viewed as a right for everyone, aiming to serve the entire community.
Access to parks is now seen much more as a right for everyone, and that they
should serve all members of the community.
Physical Health
> Public spaces as location for walking, running, and other physical activities
> Active gardening involves using a wide range of muscles. It might not burn of as many calories as other activities but has the advantage of using lots of muscles unlike the repetitous and limted muscle use of many sporting activities
